§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to make the wearing of helmets by men working on building sites and in construction compulsory.
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§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe main risk against which safety helmets are effective on construction sites is that of persons being struck by objects falling from above. On many sites this risk is not so great as to justify legislation making the wearing of such helmets compulsory. It would be inappropriate for such a requirement to apply to all men on all sites. The present regulations dealing with safety in construction work—the Construction (General Provisions) Regulations 1961; the Construction (Lifting Operations) Regulations 1961; and the Construction (Working Places) Regulations 1966—contain a number of provisions which are specifically designed to reduce the risk of men being injured by falling objects.
121WIn certain situations, and in connection with some special processes, such as demolition work, these requirements are not sufficiently effective in eliminating the risk. When the present regulations are revised consideration will be given to including requirements about head protection for men working in these special conditions.