Staying compliant with COSHH regulations isn’t just about ticking a box - it’s about protecting your workforce, your reputation, and your site.
With tighter environmental scrutiny, increased HSE spot checks, and growing expectations around safe chemical storage, 2026 is not the year to take shortcuts.
So, what does COSHH compliance actually require and how can your site stay ahead?
What is COSHH?
COSHH stands for the Control of Hazardous Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. The legislation (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002) requires employers to control substances that can harm workers’ health.
These substances include:
Fuel and oil
Cleaning chemicals
Cement and dust
Solvents and paints
Any product labelled as hazardous
If your site stores, uses or transports these substances, COSHH applies to you.
What’s changing in 2026?
While the core legislation remains in place, enforcement and expectations continue to evolve in 2026, contractors should expect:
Increased Site Inspections
The Health and Safety Executive continues to prioritise construction site inspections, with chemical storage and environmental breaches high on the agenda.
Stronger Environmental Accountability
Poor fuel storage or chemical spills don’t just risk worker safety - they can lead to environmental fines and project delays.
Greater Documentation Expectations
Risk assessments, spill response procedures and up-to-date COSHH assessments must be readily available and accurate.
6 Steps to Stay COSHH Compliant in 2026
- Carry Out a Thorough COSHH Risk Assessment
Identify all hazardous substances on site. Assess how they’re stored, handled, and disposed of. Update assessments regularly - especially when introducing new materials.
Use Proper COSHH Storage
Hazardous substances must be stored securely and correctly labelled.
A compliant COSHH store should:
Be fully bunded to contain spills
Be ventilated
Be lockable
Clearly display hazard signage
Hiring dedicated COSHH storage units ensures your site meets current regulations without permanent investment.
Ensure Safe Fuel Storage
Fuel is one of the most common compliance risks on construction sites.
Using fully bunded fuel tanks and secure storage solutions reduces spill risk and helps meet environmental requirements.
Train Your Workforce
Employees must understand:
The risks of substances they’re working with
Safe handling procedures
What to do in the event of a spill
Refresher training should be part of your annual safety planning.
Have Spill Control Measures in Place
Spill kits, drip trays, and containment systems should be easily accessible.
Failing to respond quickly to a leak can escalate from a minor issue to a reportable incident.
Keep Documentation Site-Ready
Your COSHH assessments, SDS sheets and inspection records should be easily accessible during an HSE visit. Digital record-keeping is becoming increasingly common in 2026.
Why Temporary Storage Solutions Make Compliance Easier
For many sites, hiring storage units is the most practical way to stay compliant.
Temporary COSHH storage allows you to:
Scale storage based on project size
Meet regulations without capital expenditure
Ensure units are fully compliant from day one
Avoid the risk of makeshift or non-compliant storage
At Cross Plant Hire, our COSHH storage units are fully bunded, secure, and designed specifically for hazardous materials - helping you protect your workforce and stay inspection-ready.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Failing to meet COSHH regulations can result in:
HSE enforcement notices
Site shutdowns
Financial penalties
Environmental damage
Reputational harm
Compliance isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Make 2026 Your Most Compliant Year Yet
COSHH compliance doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right risk assessments, training and storage solutions in place, your site can operate safely and confidently.
If you're unsure whether your current storage setup meets 2026 standards, it may be time for a review.
Need COSHH Compliant Storage for your next project?
Get in touch with Cross Plant Hire today and ensure your site is safe, secure and fully compliant.