§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) if he will list the recorded complaints from workers on the Millennium Dome site in respect of adverse health reactions; [37388]
(2) what assessment he has made of the cause of the recent occurrence of skin complaints among workers on the Millennium Dome site; [37389]
(3) what recent assessments he has made of the health dangers to those working on site at the Millennium Dome. [37390]
§ Mr. Mandelson[holding answer 2 April 1998]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) have received two recorded complaints on site. In October 1997, a worker from Watson Steel Limited with blistered lips returned to work after two days' absence. Last month, a worker from O'Rourke Civil Engineering complained of swollen feet. He is no longer working on the site. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed.
The NMEC have also received one verbal complaint regarding a rash to the wrist of two operatives from O'Rourke Civil Engineering. This appears to have been caused by the type of safety gloves used. When the gloves were changed the rash disappeared.
In order to ensure the safety of those working on site, the NMEC are continuing to review health risks as part of an ongoing risk assessment process. They regularly monitor noise levels, and test soil and air samples for potentially harmful substances. Results are well within safety levels as laid down in the Health and Safety Executive guidance `EH4O— Occupational Exposure Limits'. The NMEC will continue to monitor conditions on site.