HC Deb 01 July 1987 vol 118 cc84-5W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many times inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive have visited commercial window cleaners in the last five years.

Mr. Cope

I regret that the information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many accidents involving window cleaners have been reported to the Health and Safety Executive in the last five years;

(2) how many fatal accidents involving window cleaners have been reported to the Health and Safety Executive in the last five years.

Mr. Cope

18 fatal injuries to window cleaners were reported to the Health and Safety Executive during the five years 1981 to 1985. Provisional records show two fatalities in 1986. The provisional number of non-fatal injuries reported to HSE in the 12 months from April 1986 was 26. The number of accidents prior to 1986 is not readily available and could be produced only at disproportionate cost. Accidents which occur at premises not subject to inspection by HSE are reportable to local authorities.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what safety measures the Health and Safety Executive recommend to window cleaners;

(2) what measures are being taken by the Health and Safety Executive to improve safety for window cleaners.

Mr. Cope

Guidance note GS 25 "Prevention of Falls to Window Cleaners", published by the Health and Safety Executive in 1985, provides technical advice for window cleaners on safety matters. It also gives advice on the legal duties of employers, employees, the self-employed and persons in control of premises under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The Health and Safety Executive and local authority environmental health departments are currently taking a joint initiative in north London to promote safety for window cleaners. Factory inspectors and environmental health officers are visiting the head offices of window cleaning firms and sites to provide advice and take enforcement action where appropriate.