§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is now being carried out on back injuries to nurses; if he will place in the Library copies of the latest research reports in this field; what changes of policy have been introduced to prevent back injury for nurses and other hospital staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have commissioned a major research project by the materials handling research unit of the University of Surrey into the back injuries sustained by nurses and other hospital staff through lifting patients. The project examines mechanical and physical methods of
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Table 1—Fires in hospitals in England and casualties from such fires by source of ignition, 1978–1981 Number Source of ignition Fires Non-fatal casualties Fatal casualties 1978* 1979 1980* 1981* 1978* 1979 1980* 1981 1978* 1979 1980* 1981 Total 1,511 1,763 1,646 1,795 46 80 74 61 8 20 2 18 Deliberate 277 324 331 346 20 16 17 16 — 7 — 3 Accidental, ignited by:— 1,234 1,439 1,315 1,449 26 64 57 45 8 13 2 15 Smokers' materials 485 556 524 511 11 49 37 8 3 3 1 12 Matches 129 128 125 129 8 5 10 16 1 3 — — Cooking appliances 137 175 144 199 3 — — 5 — — — 2 Heating apparatus 40 54 52 50 — 1 — 2 4 7 1 1 Welding apparatus and blowlamps 55 55 52 64 1 — — 1 — — — — Electrical equipment not included above 239 253 254 341 — 3 2 8 — — — — Other 81 107 87 96 1 2 4 2 — — — — Unspecified or unknown 68 111 77 59 2 4 4 3 — — — — * As a result of industrial action by fire brigades in 1978 and 1980 an estimated 10 per cent, of fires were not reported. The number of fires and casualties in those years given in the table are therefore incomplete. lifting patients used in hospitals and elsewhere. A copy of the final report on the research, expected in August 1984, will be placed in the Library of the House.
The health services advisory committee of the Health and Safety Executive has reported on the subject of back injury hazards to the Health and Safety Commission. I shall be considering that report when it has been endorsed by the commission.
When the current research is completed and the committee's recommendations have been assessed, we shall consider whether any further advice can usefully be given to health authorities in pursuance of our continuing policy that they should seek to reduce the number of accidents and injuries to nurses and other staff.