HSE inspections tackling exposure to flour dust in bakeries

HSE is carrying out a series of inspections at large bakeries across Great Britain from January 2026.

Inspectors will be checking that employers are properly protecting workers from the dangers of dusty ingredients including flour dust, one of the most common causes of occupational asthma in the country. Exposure can lead to serious, life-changing lung conditions.

Employers must follow the hierarchy of controls under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).

Inspectors will assess bakeries’ compliance with COSHH regulations, focusing on whether employers have correctly considered their measures for managing risk in order of effectiveness.

You can:

• read HSE's guidance on controlling flour dust in bakeries 
• view the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
• find out more about the inspections in our news release: HSE inspections tackling exposure to flour dust in bakeries
  
  

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11 February, 10.30am to 11.30am.

This webinar from HSE and our publishing partner TSO will focus on improving organisational safety culture. Topics covered will include:

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