For businesses that handle chemicals and materials that pose a health risk, managing those substances safely is a necessity. Both for safety and legal compliance. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations are a set of UK regulations designed to help businesses identify, assess and control the risks presented by hazardous substances in the workplace. There is COSHH assessment software available that supports businesses in completing COSHH assessments, controlling risk and ensuring compliance with the regulations.
Relying on paper forms or spreadsheets to manage COSHH data makes it more difficult for teams to stay informed as it lacks the instant reporting features that many COSHH management software solutions contain. Modern COSHH management software provides a comprehensive solution that enables teams to identify potential hazards, carry out accurate risk assessments and monitor workplace exposures. Having clear, consistent data allows managers or clients to make informed decisions and maintain strong control of substances hazardous to health by sharing important information across teams.
This guide compares COSHH management software options to help businesses find the best COSHH management software for their needs. Whether a business requires a simple assessment tool or a complete COSHH management system, this comparison highlights the most practical choices available.
Why choosing the right COSHH management software matters
Without a dedicated COSHH management system, businesses can face inconsistent data, expired assessments and misplaced SDSs . Manual processes make it difficult to track hazardous substances, manage control measures and maintain historical data. Storing data in separate locations affects a team’s ability to effectively communicate potential hazards.
Choosing the wrong software can cause compliance gaps, missed COSHH requirements and limited visibility of workplace exposures. These issues can lead to unnecessary risk, potential threats to employee health and even legal action. Maintaining employee safety is a top priority, and the right COSHH management system helps ensure that risk assessments and control measures are consistently applied.
Selecting the right COSHH management software contributes to time-saving and efficiency, allowing teams to focus on proactive risk management over repetitive administrative tasks. It helps support structured risk assessments, accurate control of hazardous substances and simplified reporting for management or client review. The ability to create, schedule and perform assessments helps teams stay ahead of compliance. With the right software solution, businesses can take a proactive approach to COSHH management, ensuring every assessment remains accurate and up to date.
Top COSHH management software competitors
1. Velappity – digital COSHH management and risk assessment software
As COSHH management software, Velappity simplifies COSHH management and health and safety compliance. Velappity enables businesses to create tailored COSHH assessments, record control measures and manage hazardous substances. Inspections are performed on-site on the mobile app, with client reporting through easy-to-use tools. Velappity’s cloud-based platform ensures all COSHH assessments and safety records remain accessible. Historical data storage allows businesses to periodically review COSHH assessments and control measures to maintain compliance and reduce potential risks. The platform also allows businesses to track progress and identify areas for continual improvement in COSHH management and workplace safety. The ability to create fully custom forms makes Velappity highly adaptable for businesses that need to manage substances hazardous to health across multiple sites.
Pros:
- Custom digital COSHH assessment forms
- Mobile forms that can be completed offline
- Instant reporting
- Historical data storage and compliance tracking
Cons:
- Requires initial setup to create custom forms
Best suited for: health and safety officers, site managers, facilities managers and inspection service providers who require flexible COSHH risk assessment tools that can be tailored to specific clients or sites.
2. EcoOnline – chemical safety and compliance management
EcoOnline offers comprehensive COSHH management and chemical safety solutions. The software focuses on chemical inventory control, COSHH assessment and real-time data. It includes a large safety data sheet (SDS) database and features for chemical risk mapping. EcoOnline’s compliance dashboards and reporting tools make it easier for businesses to meet COSHH regulations while maintaining central oversight of chemical data. Its scalable design supports both single-site operations and complex multi-site businesses.
Pros:
- Extensive SDS database and automated updates
- Robust compliance and reporting capabilities
- Clear dashboards for chemical tracking
- Integration with risk and EHS systems
Cons:
- Complex setup for smaller businesses
- May require additional training for new users
Best suited for: medium to large businesses that handle diverse chemicals and require structured COSHH management across multiple sites.
3. SafetyCulture – health safety inspections and risk control
SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) is a flexible inspection platform that can be configured for COSHH management. While not a dedicated COSHH system, it supports risk assessment, task management and on-site data capture through mobile devices. Users can create custom templates for COSHH assessments, record control measures and monitor workplace hazards in real time. SafetyCulture’s focus on usability and collaboration makes it a popular choice for teams looking to standardise safety inspections across departments.
Pros:
- Intuitive mobile app for field inspections
- Easy template creation and sharing
- Task management and reporting functions
- Works across multiple industries
Cons:
- Requires custom setup for full COSHH management
- Limited built-in COSHH-specific functionality
Best suited for: businesses seeking an adaptable safety inspection tool that can be tailored for COSHH assessments and other risk management processes.
4. Chemwatch – global chemical and SDS management platform
Chemwatch is an international provider of chemical management and COSHH compliance solutions. The software offers an extensive safety data sheets library, regulatory updates and hazard analysis tools for managing chemicals across global operations. Chemwatch automates the process of updating SDSs and supports compliance with multiple international standards. It is best suited for businesses handling large numbers of hazardous substances and requiring centralised control and data visibility.
Pros:
- Large global SDS and chemical database
- Automated regulatory updates
- Multi-language and international compliance support
- Comprehensive chemical hazard information
Cons:
- Complex for smaller UK-based teams
- Interface can be overwhelming for new users
Best suited for: global businesses and multi-site operations managing extensive chemical inventories and requiring detailed SDS and compliance management.
5. Ideagen – enterprise EHS and chemical management solutions
Ideagen is a UK-based provider of integrated risk management and compliance solutions, serving regulated industries such as life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing and government sectors. In October 2025, Ideagen acquired SafetyStratus, a Texas-based provider specialising in advanced chemical management. This acquisition enhances Ideagen’s EHS portfolio, allowing it to offer “Ideagen Chemical Management” as a specialised platform within its existing suite of solutions.
Pros:
- Comprehensive EHS and COSHH integration
- Strong reporting and analytics
- Scalable for enterprise operations
- Secure cloud-based system
Cons:
- Requires setup and training for full use
- May be too advanced for smaller businesses
Best suited for: large enterprises with formal EHS departments needing an integrated COSHH and compliance management system.
6. VelocityEHS – SDS storage and compliance management
VelocityEHS (formerly MSDSonline) is designed for managing SDSs and chemical inventories within COSHH frameworks. The software helps businesses meet COSHH requirements by maintaining up-to-date SDSs, tracking expiry dates and monitoring hazardous substances. It can also be integrated with other VelocityEHS modules for wider safety management. The platform offers secure storage, quick access to safety documentation and regulatory updates.
Pros:
- Reliable SDS and chemical inventory management
- Automated compliance updates
- Easy document retrieval and sharing
- Established global provider
Cons:
- Limited flexibility for UK COSHH risk assessment templates
- Primarily focused on SDS storage rather than full COSHH management
Best suited for: businesses seeking dependable SDS management and chemical compliance tools, particularly those already using other VelocityEHS systems.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Velappity | EcoOnline | SafetyCulture | Chemwatch | Ideagen | VelocityEHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Customisation | ✔ | – | ✔ | – | ✔ | – |
| Pricing transparency | ✔ | – | ✔ | – | – | – |
| Customer support | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mobile app | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Scalability | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
In our comparison, Velappity scores highest for ease of use, mobile capability and flexibility. EcoOnline offers detailed chemical management and compliance features, while SafetyCulture suits teams seeking adaptable inspection tools. Chemwatch and VelocityEHS focus on data management and SDS control, making them ideal for larger businesses with extensive chemical inventories. Ideagen provides enterprise-level compliance and reporting features, making it suitable for businesses with more complex health and safety requirements.
Key features in COSHH management software
Effective COSHH management software should offer significant improvement over manual processes, enabling and supporting teams in their work. Velappity is a digital solution that allows users to create forms, ensuring assessments match operational needs.
With full reporting, data storage and other features such as creating billing documents, Velappity supports a proactive approach to COSHH management and ongoing compliance. It gives users the tools to identify hazards and continuously improve safety performance.
Key trends in the COSHH management market
Businesses adopt digital COSHH systems to improve visibility, control and compliance. Completing inspections on mobile allows teams to record data directly from the site, while automated reporting ensures results are reported on instantly allowing action to be taken quickly if issues are identified.
Tools to make it easier to analyse risk and access important information quickly are important features for businesses. Regular system updates, cloud-based data storage and stronger data security features help businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements and maintain a proactive approach to managing substances hazardous to health.
How to choose the right COSHH management software
Selecting the right COSHH management software is an important decision that requires you not only review the features of the software options available, but the requirements of your business. Consider the number of assessments you perform, how data is shared between teams, the size and industry of the business, what your budget is, and any other requirements that you need met. For example, you may look for systems that provide compliance tracking, risk management tools and easy reporting.
Free trials and demos can help you assess usability and confirm whether the system supports your control measures and operations. Prioritise software that simplifies risk assessment, supports maintaining legal compliance, and improves health and safety outcomes across your team.
Conclusion
Choosing the right COSHH management software is a vital step in maintaining compliance, managing hazardous substances and protecting employees from workplace exposures. The best option for one business may not be the best for another. The business’ size, processes and COSHH requirements are all important considerations when selecting a software solution.
Velappity is a flexible and accessible platform to create COSHH assessments, manage control measures and maintain accurate data for compliance. To see how Velappity can streamline your COSHH management, start a free trial or contact our team to request a demo.
