Building Operations (Accidents)

HC Deb 09 March 1964 vol 691 cc21-4

28. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour how many accidents occurred in building operations during 1963.

Mr. Whitelaw

The provisional total of reported accidents in the construction industry during 1963 was 28,377 com- pared with 25,338 in 1962. A full analysis will be published later in the year in the Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Factories for 1963.

Mr. Boyden

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these are highly unsatisfactory figures and trends? What is he doing to encourage reasonable-sized arms to appoint safety officers? What is he doing to ensure that more care is taken to prevent this serious toll?

Mr. Whitelaw

We have taken a great deal of trouble, as has the industry itself. It is true that the construction industry has had a high number of accidents for a long time, but in the last few years there have been signs of a welcome spread of interest and activity in accident prevention. Although the overall figures are, to some extent, disappointing, it is worth noting that the reward of all this extra activity and interest is to be seen now. For instance, there was a decrease of 15 per cent. in the number of fatal accidents reported in the construction industry during 1963. We and the industry are doing all in our power to improve the position.

Mr. Prentice

We welcome the spread of interest in safety, but surely what has happened is that certain good firms are prepared to read literature and attend conferences and it is firms which will not take the trouble which are to a very large extent responsible for these very alarming trends. Does not this mean that such firms will have to be inspected more strictly and that this will involve a larger Factory Inspectorate?

Mr. Whitelaw

I have had a considerable amount to do with this work in the last 18 months, and I have noticed that in that period there has been a considerable increase in activity among a growing number of firms. We are now perhaps reaching the end of those firms who are really interested in the problem and coming to those firms which it will be more difficult to interest. I believe that the best way to spread interest is through such things as construction regulations and courses for safety supervisors. That these will have an increasing effect.

Mr. Lawson

What steps are taken to publicise the record of good firms as against bad firms?

Mr. Whitelaw

The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting point and I should like to look into it. I will certainly let him know about it.

29. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour what is his estimate of the number of accidents in building operations which are not reported.

Mr. Whitelaw

A comparison with claims for Industrial Injuries benefit in October, 1962, indicated that some 57 per cent. of the reportable accidents in the construction industries were not then being reported. Since publicity was given to this fact the number of reported accidents has increased. A survey to be undertaken this year will show the current rate of reporting.

Mr. Boyden

Does not that Answer show how unsatisfactory the Answer to Question No. 28 was? Will the hon. Gentleman give consideration to enlarging the Factory Inspectorate and also specialising it in building operations so that it can take over the work of local authorities and inspect the actual fabric of buildings and engage in safety work as well? I would be the first to agree that prosecution is not the way to bring about a reduction in the number of accidents. However, if there were a good and efficient Factory Inspectorate covering all spheres, would that not be a major contribution to bringing about a reduction in the number of accidents?

Mr. Whitelaw

Although the number of accidents which have not been reported is unsatisfactory, it inevitably remains true that if the standard of reporting is higher and more of the accidents which occur are reported the number of reported accidents tends to rise. To a very large extent this accounts for the rise indicated in my Answer to Question No. 28. I think that the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this is a fair point. As to the hon. Gentleman's second point, it is true that inspection can help and has a very important part to play. While I consider many factory inspectors to be highly qualified in building operations, inspection is certainly not the whole answer.

Mr. Prentice

Does not the hon. Gentleman's Answer confirm that there is a hard core of firms which either do not know or do not care what the law says about these matters? Is not the only answer for them a much more stringent system of inspection?

Mr. Whitelaw

That is true to some extent. I remind the hon. Gentleman that to meet this very point my right hon. Friend has had a leaflet prepared setting out in simple language the legal requirements and the procedure for observing them. This leaflet will be distributed free to every building contractor with the Ministry of Public Building and Works building census forms in about six weeks' time. It is bound to do something towards education.