4th February 2026

HSE To Carry Out Targeted Inspections In Bakeries

What’s Happening

Commencing from January 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be conducting inspections at bakeries across the country to ensure proper protection of workers, with particular focus on the control of exposure to flour dust.

The Risk of Flour Dust

Common bakery tasks, such as dusting flour during dough handling, dispensing dry ingredients, and cleaning flour spills, can generate dust that lingers in the atmosphere if not properly controlled. Flour dust is a leading cause of occupational asthma in Great Britain. Exposure can cause respiratory sensitisation, making even small amounts of dust trigger asthma symptoms. Once sensitised, the condition is often irreversible.

Compliance with COSHH Regulations

During the inspection regime, HSE inspectors will be checking compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), focusing on the hierarchy of controls:

• Elimination: Use of non-dust-creating processes like non-stick belts or sensors to reduce dust exposure.
• Substitution: Use of low-dust flour or liquid/gel-based ingredients.
• Engineering Controls: Correctly functioning, inspected and maintained local exhaust ventilation.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): use of respiratory protection equipment (RPE) and undertaking of face fit testing where required. Use as a last resort.

Inspectors will also be seeking to ensure that appropriate health surveillance arrangements are in place for those workers exposed to flour dust.

Clients who are likely to affected by this targeted inspection campaign are encouraged to consult HSE’s guidance on flour dust control, or alternatively call our health and safety advice line on 0300 3035228 if you feel you need to speak with a consultant.