HL Deb 18 February 1983 vol 439 cc495-6WA
Lord Blease

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have taken note of the Fourth Report and Statement of Accounts of the Health and Safety Agency for Northern Ireland (26 October 1982) and whether they will indicate their views and/or proposed action arising from this report, and especially the following:—

  1. (a) that many employers had not prepared proper and effective policy statements about health and safety at work.—(Page 8),
  2. (b) that the Agency has a need for additional staff to undertake the very important promotional role of the Agency.—(Page 17),
  3. (c) we would also once again urge Departments to ensure that when new legislation is introduced in Great Britain it is also brought into operation simultaneously in Northern Ireland.—(Page 18), and
  4. (d) we would also urge the speedy implementation of the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations to rationalise the enforcement of the Order in certain establishments.—(Page 18).

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (The Earl of Gowrie)

The Government have carefully studied the Health and Safety Agency's 4th Report and attach great importance to all the work of the agency which, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Inspectorate, is working for a real and lasting reduction in the incidence of occupational injury and illness. The answers to the specific points raised by the noble Lord are as follows:—

  1. (a) Ensuring that employers prepare proper and effective policy statements continues to be an important part of the Health and Safety Inspectorate's enforcement function. Over the next two-year period the inspectorate has arranged a comprehensive survey to improve the degree of compliance with this requirement and to measure its effectiveness in attaining better self-regulation and improved health and safety standards at the work place;
  2. (b) The staffing needs of the agency are currently under consideration in consultation with the chairman of the agency;
  3. (c) The impact and importance for Northern Ireland of new legislation emanating from Great Britain is studied and priorities for its implementation are assessed in conjunction with the agency;
  4. (d) Draft Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations have been circulated to district councils through the Association of local Authorities of Northern Ireland (ALANI) and a meeting is to take place next month with ALANI to further discuss the implications for them of the proposed regulations.