§ Mr. Woofasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that millions of days more are lost in industry through sickness and injury than through strikes; and, in view of this fact, what priority he is giving to the establishment of an occupational health service.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsWe are aware that losses of time through sickness and injury greatly exceed losses through strikes.
The Ministry tries to ensure that industrial conditions and processes are kept safe and healthy for people working in industry. It is not possible to say what proportion of absence from work in industry is due to ill-health or injury caused by industrial conditions or processes.
17WThe Ministry of Labour is already very active in the industrial health field. H.M. Factory Inspectorate inspect working conditions and processes to ensure that the standards laid down by the Factories Act 1961, and related Regulations are being complied with, and also give advice to industry as to how working conditions can be improved. My right hon. Friend has recently set up an industrial hygiene laboratory service within the Inspectorate to help develop their work in the industrial hygiene field.
The work of the Appointed Factory Doctor Service has recently been reviewed and we are considering what steps should be taken as a result.