Sickness absence - work related causes - asthma
Information on Occupational Asthma
- Introduction
- Suggested steps
- Useful links to further information
- Other useful references or other resources
Introduction
Asthma is characterised by periodic attacks of wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness due to a narrowing in the lung airways. A substance is considered to cause occupational asthma if it is able to both produce the biological changes associated with this hypersensitive state in the airways, and trigger subsequent attacks.
Substances which cause occupational asthma are known as respiratory sensitisers, and can be manufactured chemicals or naturally occurring materials such as hard wood dust. Once initiated the sensitisation process is irreversible. Therefore, the employer has an important role to play in controlling workplace exposures which cause occupational asthma, and in providing appropriate health surveillance, and encouraging employees to report symptoms at an early stage.
Suggested steps
- Identify all known respiratory sensitisers and substances which the employer's risk assessment shows to be a potential cause of occupational asthma.Further information and guidance is available in the COSHH Regulations 2002, CHIP Regulations 2002 (risk phrases R42 and R43), and COSHH Essentials.
- In discussion with employees and their representatives, implement effective control measures to reduce the risk of exposure. Consider substitution, segregation, bulk handling or wet processes, and effective extraction. Seek to limit peaks of exposure, and provide adequate hygiene facilities. Use RPE where adequate control cannot be achieved by other methods.
- Establish regular health surveillance for all employees exposed or liable to be exposed to a substance which may cause occupational asthma. The extent and frequency of surveillance should be agreed in consultation with an occupational health professional.
- A health record should be maintained for each individual. Records should be retained for 40 years. Encourage early reporting of asthma symptoms, and protect the person from further exposure while the cause of the symptoms is fully investigated. This should include a review of the risk assessment and risk management strategies.
- If an individual develops occupational asthma, exposure must be controlled to prevent triggering of further attacks. If notified of the case in writing by a doctor, the case should be reported to HSE as required by RIDDOR 1995.
- Provide appropriate information and training on typical symptoms and pattern of occupational asthma, likely workplace causes, reporting procedures, correct use and maintenance of control measures, safe working practices, correct use of RPE where applicable and appropriate action in the event of emergency.
- Promote healthy lifestyles and encourage smoking cessation.
Useful links
For further information on occupational asthma:
- HSE site on occupational asthma www.hse.gov.uk/asthma
- HSE COSHH Essentials Site www.coshh-essentials.org.uk
- The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) www.iiac.org.uk
- THE National Asthma Campaign www.asthma.org.uk
- HSE Publications www.hsebooks.co.uk
- The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work agency.osha.eu.int
Other useful resources:
- INDG136 (rev 1) COSHH Regulations 2002: a brief guide (free leaflet)
- INDG95 Respiratory Sensitisers and COSHH - Breathe freely (free leaflet)
- L55 Preventing Asthma at work (ISBN 0717606619)
- MS25 Medical Aspects of Occupational Asthma (ISBN 0717615472)