Health and Safety

HC Deb 14 June 1977 vol 933 cc214-5

10. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the implementation of legislation concerning health and safety at work.

Mr. John Grant

I am satisfied with the way in which the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive are carrying out their responsibilities. But there are very few fields in the area of health and safety at work where standards cannot be improved. If my hon. Friend has any particular problem in mind I shall, of course, be pleased to look into it.

Mr. Whitehead

Responding to that, may I ask my hon. Friend to look at the representations that some of us have received about the small but serious problem of alcoholism at the place of work? Is he aware that it is as serious a problem to be unfit to be in charge of a machine as to be unfit to be in charge of a motor car? Will he look at the evidence on this matter and see whether the legislation needs amending?

Mr. Grant

There was a National Council on Alcoholism working party, chaired by the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Sir B. Braine), which reported earlier this year on alcoholism at work and recommended certain steps—more research by the Health and Safety Executive into the costs of alcoholism at work, and a code of practice to help employees with drink problems. The Health and Safety Commission's Medical Advisory Committee at its next meeting will be considering that and, in turn, the full Health and Safety Commission will be looking at the whole problem.

Mr. Greville Janner

Would not the health and safety legislation be more likely to be implemented if the courts started imposing on convicted offenders penalties severe enough to show the importance of the crime committed?

Mr. Grant

Yes, I think that there is a great deal in what my hon. and learned Friend has to say. I think that the average fine imposed last year on offenders was about £87. I doubt whether that really reflects the gravity of many of the offences concerned. My hon. and learned Friend will know that there is legislation at present before the House that will raise the fine from £400 to £1,000 on summary conviction for offences under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act.