§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current state of proposals to limit the lifting of heavy weights in industry; and if he will list the reasons for the delay by the Health and Safety Executive in publishing draft regulations.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Health and Safety Commission considered draft proposals from the Health and Safety Executive for regulations and guidance on manual handling on 18 December 1979, and took the view that it was impracticable to produce comprehensive guidance for the whole of industry in a single document. It agreed to set up a working party with representatives of the TUC and CBI, with the primary aim of formulating general guidance for those responsible for designing work systems and for supervising work. The subject has proved more complex, and to involve wider considerations, than was originally contemplated. The draft regulations will be further considered when the proposed guidance is formulated.