§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received in respect of accidents in the construction industry; and what plans he has to increase protection for those employed in that industry.
§ Mr. NichollsOver the last year I have answered several questions in the House and received letters from hon. Members on this subject. Additionally, the Building Employers Confederation has written to me and last April I met officials of UCATT. The number of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors devoted to construction has already risen 10 per cent. since 1988, and HSE aims to have 100 construction inspectors by 1990. Inspectors will be paying more attention to the quality of site management and levels of training and supervision. HSE will also continue to advise the industry and to vigorously enforce the law where necessary.
The Government will shortly be making the wearing of safety helmets on construction sites compulsory and the Health and Safety Commission has recently published a consultative document setting out proposals for new regulations to strengthen the management of health and safety on construction sites.