Health and Safety in the Printing Industry: A Guide

Workplace safety is a legal and operational priority in the UK’s fast-moving printing sector. 

Whether you run a print shop, manage commercial printing operations, or operate a publishing facility, understanding the core risks and regulations can protect your team and ensure business continuity.

In this guide, we outline essential health and safety measures in printing, the legal duties of employers, and best practices to reduce risks from manual handling, machinery and chemical exposure.

Why Is Safety Important in Print Environments?

The UK printing sector is classified under manufacturing by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), grouped within SIC 18: Printing and reproduction of recorded media.

According to HSE Manufacturing Statistics 2024:

• 94,000 manufacturing workers reported work-related ill health, with 36% related to musculoskeletal disorders
• Manual handling, slips and trips, and machinery-related incidents remain the leading causes of injury
• The industry sees around 51,000 non-fatal injuries annually, and the fatal injury rate is 1.6 times higher than the all-industry average

These risks directly affect the printing environment, where heavy lifting, fast-moving equipment, and chemical exposure are common. That’s why robust safety protocols are essential to protect staff and maintain productivity.

Accidents not only affect employees but can lead to production delays, reputational damage, legal penalties, and increased costs.

Key Printing Industry Safety Regulations

Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant UK safety regulations for printing operations:

If you’re producing printed materials, booklets, or running commercial printers in an office setting, these rules apply regardless of business size.

Common Health and Safety Risks in Printing

1. Manual Handling Injuries

Manual handling remains a leading cause of lost workdays in printing. Activities include:

• Lifting heavy paper reels, plates or ink drums
• Moving finished materials to storage
• Loading machinery with materials

How to manage:

• Use lifting aids such as trolleys, hoists or scissor lifts
• Break loads into smaller weights
• Train staff using the HSE’s MAC Tool

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slip and trip incidents are typically caused by:

• Ink or oil spills on floors
• Poorly routed cables or hoses
• Dust or powder from paper processing

How to manage:

• Install non-slip mats
• Use absorbent spill mats
• Keep walkways clear and marked

3. Machinery-Related Accidents

Printing presses, guillotines and finishing equipment can cause severe injuries if not properly guarded or maintained.

Compliance tip:
Under PUWER, all machines must:

• Be fitted with emergency stops and guards
• Be used only by trained personnel
• Be subject to scheduled inspections

4. Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Many printing companies still use solvent-based inks and cleaning agents that emit harmful vapours or fumes.

Under COSHH, employers must:

• Carry out chemical risk assessments
• Provide suitable PPE (gloves, goggles, masks)
• Ensure safe storage and spill control
• Offer staff training and health surveillance

Typical symptoms of overexposure include headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, and respiratory problems.

Practical Steps to Reduce Health and Safety Risks

Complete Risk Assessments

Use standardised templates to assess the likelihood and severity of risks across all tasks and areas. These should be updated annually or when processes change.

Provide Proper Training

Employees should receive regular training in:

• Safe lifting techniques
• Fire safety and evacuation
• COSHH controls
• First aid and accident reporting

Improve Facility Layout

Workstations should:

• Have enough space for safe movement
• Allow easy access to emergency exits and first aid stations
• Include ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain

Use Cleaning and Spill Control Products

Workplace hygiene is crucial in preventing slip hazards, contamination, and product defects.

Lindström’s Safety Solutions for the Printing Industry

Lindström supports printing businesses with high-performance print wipers and absorbent spill mat rental services. These solutions improve safety, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with hygiene and environmental standards.

Printer Wiper Rental

Lindstrom is the only UK Provider Transporting Wipers Under UN3175

Lindström is the only UK company that handles the transport of used print wipers classed as UN3175 — a type of hazardous material under UK law. This means you get safe, legal, and fully compliant logistics for your business.

• Made from durable, 100% cotton
• Ideal for cleaning printing plates, machinery, toner and ink
• Washable, reusable and lint-free
• Delivered, laundered and restocked 

Absorbent Spill Mats

• Designed to capture ink, solvents and oils
• Prevent workplace slips and equipment damage
• Installed beneath machines and along walkways
• Available in various sizes for different zones

All products are part of our managed rental service, which includes regular pickup, professional laundering and replacement—freeing your team from stock and waste concerns.

Final Thoughts

The printing industry may not appear dangerous on the surface, but the risks are real. From COSHH-regulated chemicals to moving heavy reels and working with high-speed machinery, it’s essential to stay proactive.

By understanding key health and safety risks, implementing best practices, and partnering with trusted providers, print businesses can operate more safely, reduce downtime, and remain compliant with UK law.