HC Deb 19 December 1975 vol 902 cc871-2W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will indicate any legislation of which he is aware relevant to the lifting of loads by workmen in Scandinavia and the leading countries in the European Community.

Mr. Harold Walker

There is no legislation regarding the lifting of loads without mechanical means by workmen in Norway, Sweden or Denmark, although in Norway a limit of 55 kilograms for men is generally observed.

In the Federal Republic of Germany there is no such legislation except for expectant mothers for whom a limit is set of five kilos for normal handling and 10 kilos for occasional handling.

Dutch legislation stipulates only that women and young people shall not be required to lift heavy weights.

French legislation lays down a limit, within most of industry and commerce, of 55 kilos for males which can be extended to up to 105 kilos if the worker is recognised as healthy and fit by a works doctor. Women are restricted to 25 kilos for straight carrying.

Belgium has no legislation covering male workers but has a limit set at 27 kilos for occasional and 15 kilos for regular carrying by women, with a complete prohibition in the last three months of pregnancy and after confinement.