Pesticides


The TUC sets out in a briefing on the pesticide glyphosate that in addition to the COSHH Regulations, pesticides are also covered by separate regulations. These say that employers must:


• take all reasonable precautions to protect human health and the environment;


• confine the application of the pesticide to the crops or area to be treated; and


• ensure when using pesticides in certain specified areas, e.g. those used by the general public, that the amount of pesticide used and the frequency of use are as low as are reasonably practicable.


Glyphosate is the most commonly used weed killer in the world, with about two-thirds of herbicide sales and is sold by the original manufacturer, Monsanto. The TUC says that weed killers containing glyphosate are dangerous and can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The chemical can also cause oral and throat discomfort if it is breathed in. Eye exposure may lead to mild conjunctivitis. If swallowed, it may cause corrosion of the throat and can lead to kidney or liver failure. It is also believed that it can cause cancer.


In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Carcinogens (IARC) announced that glyphosate probably causes a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Those at risk of exposure to glyphosate include parks staff, agricultural workers, gardeners, and some forestry workers.


The TUC has called for employers to review their risk assessments in view of the latest research and has produced Glyphosate: Advice for workplace representatives (May 2015), which sets out the role of safety reps. This can be found on the TUC website (https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/Glyphosate%20May%202015%20pdf.pdf#overlay-context=www.tuc.org.uk/glyphosate).

Bristol City Council is currently trialing glyphosate-free weed treatments.