Under the radar

When a worker develops an occupational disease such as occupational asthma, the consequences are neither short-term nor reversible. Asthma is a lifelong, often life-limiting condition, requiring ongoing medication and management and with the potential for periodic exacerbations. In many cases, symptoms do not stabilise but deteriorate over time, meaning the impact extends well beyond the period of exposure and continues throughout the individual’s life.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that exposure risks had not been adequately controlled at Cardiff University over a period of approximately 15 years. This raises a serious concern over the continuing disconnect between “safety” and “health” within occupational safety and health (OSH).

No control

In this case, zoonotic exposures associated with laboratory animal work were not adequately controlled, despite being a well-recognised cause of occupational asthma. This points either to a failure to fully appreciate the zoonotic and allergenic risks inherent in such work, or to a breakdown in translating that knowledge into effective control measures. Without clear recognition of these health hazards, the risk of occupational asthma may not be properly identified or prioritised during risk assessments.

The relevant regulatory framework, notably the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, requires employers to identify hazardous exposures and implement appropriate controls. Although guidance specific to working with laboratory animals has evolved over time, the fundamental duty to assess and control exposure risks has long been established. The HSE’s findings indicate that adequate controls to limit exposure to animal allergens were not adequately implemented.

Missed opportunities

A further challenge lies in the fact that occupational asthma often presents in a way that is clinically indistinguishable from asthma in the general population. Symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness and coughing typically develop gradually and may initially appear mild. In the absence of an occupational health service, a worker presenting to their GP may not be asked about their occupation or workplace exposures.

This can result in treatment that focuses only on symptom management, rather than addressing the underlying cause by identifying and eliminating exposure. Consequently, recognition that the condition is work-related may be significantly delayed. Crucially, these symptoms do not arise suddenly; they develop over time with repeated exposure, representing multiple missed opportunities for earlier intervention and prevention of further harm.

While the full details of this case at Cardiff University are not yet clear, it nevertheless illustrates how occupational health hazards can “slip through the gaps” when health considerations are not fully integrated into workplace risk management. It reinforces the need for greater awareness, earlier recognition of symptoms, and the implementation of robust preventive measures.

Preventing occupational disease requires the same level of vigilance applied to accident prevention. This includes understanding work-related health risks, implementing effective exposure controls, and maintaining health surveillance. Without this, avoidable and life-changing conditions such as occupational asthma will continue to occur.

Reference

McCarthy. 2026. University fined £280k over lab staff's animal allergy asthma. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx21lgeve46o Accessed: 05 May 2026.