Are risk assessments needed for the use and control of hazardous substances?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (the COSHH Regulations) cover almost every workplace, from offices to factories, where hazardous substances may be used or produced.

The Regulations state that an employer shall not carry on any work which is liable to expose employees or other persons on the premises to any substance hazardous to health unless an assessment of the risks to health and of the steps which need to be taken has been carried out.