HC Deb 05 November 2002 vol 392 cc198-9W
Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason there was a decrease in the number of contacts with premises by Health and Safety Executive inspectors between 1996–97 and 2000–01. [78447]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

The number of regulatory contacts made by Health and Safety Executive staff for each year between 1996–97 and 2001–02 is given in the table. Overall there has been a 3 per cent. fall in numbers over the period. The reduction is a reflection of the increase in both the quantity and complexity of HSE's reactive work in carrying out investigations. The numbers of investigations has increased from 27,889 in 1996–97 to 37,855 in 2001–02, a rise of 35 per cent.

A balanced programme of inspections and investigations is necessary to secure improvements in workplace health and safety.

The majority of regulatory contacts were made by inspectors; a small proportion, approximately 10,000 in 2001–02, were made by workplace contact officers (WCOs). The WCOs are a small team dedicated to providing advice and information specifically to small and medium sized enterprises.

Regulatory contacts
1996–97 205,000
1997–98 186,000
1998–99 183,000
1999–2000 185,496
2000–01 192,693
2001–02 195,695

Note:

A regulatory contact includes preventive inspections, investigators, advisory visits, and enforcement visits.