HSE is committed to reducing the number of cases of occupational asthma by targeting key workers who are at greatest risk of getting the disease through work
In October 2001 a target was set to reduce asthma caused by substances at work by 30% by 2010
Over the last four years, there has been a probable decrease in the number of cases of occupational asthma.
The occupations with the highest incidence rates include bakers and vehicle paint sprayers.
The most commonly cited cause of occupational asthma was isocyanates followed by flour.
You can find more detailed information on the statistics website.
Asthma at Work - Your Charter sets out ten recommendations to reduce the impact of asthma in the workplace.
It provides information on asthma triggers and symptoms, instructions on what to do if someone is having an attack, and guidelines for employers on making the work environment an asthma-friendly zone.
Key recommendations in the new charter include:
The Asthma UK website provides more information on the Charter.
These implement the EU Chemical Agents Directive. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, require employers to control exposures to hazardous substances to protect employees’ health.
The Health and Safety Commission has tightened the law for substances causing occupational asthma. See the Approved Code of Practice The control of substances that cause occupational asthma. You can download the asthma appendix to the ACoP free.
HSE continues to develop guidance on the main causes of occupational asthma by industry sector. You can download control guidance sheets from COSHH Essentials.
Alternatively, seek specialist help (e.g. from the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).
An event launched the British Occupational Health Research Foundation’s (BOHRF) Evidence based review and guidelines on identification, management and prevention of occupational asthma. It is an important review, and Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) gave the keynote speech at the BOHRF seminar, 14 September 2004 in London.