My employer wants to send me for mandatory training because we are using new chemicals. Do I have to go?

The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1992 (MHSW) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH) both refer to the need to "inform" and "train" employees and suggest that employees should be taught to understand the duties imposed by legislation.

This means that employers have a duty to ensure that their employees are provided with adequate health and safety training when recruited, or if they are exposed to new or increased risks.

If an employer fails to demonstrate that adequate health and safety training has been afforded to his/her employees the employer may be liable. Indeed under the common law if you are found not to be working in a safe way, and therefore cause injuries to others, you might be liable personally.

It is, therefore, prudent to undertake health and safety training and your employer may insist that you do so.