HC Deb 18 December 1975 vol 902 cc725-7W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps are being taken by his Department to apprise industry of the need to improve productivity and reduce either back strain or spinal injuries through the use of mechanical aids in handling heavy loads and equipment.

Mr. Harold Walker

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) on 3rd December 1975—[Vol. 901, c. 64/]—stating that initial work was in progress with a view to the Health and Safety Commission considering the possibility of advisory material, a code of practice or regulations on manual lifting and handling of heavy loads. I am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that information on the safe use of mechanical aids in handling heavy loads and equipment is given in Health and Safety at Work booklet No. 43 Safety in Mechanical Handling", and that the hon. Gentleman's helpful suggestions will be taken into account in further considerations.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many United Kingdom firms are engaged in providing mechanical aids and scissor lifts to industry designed to reduce the incidence of back strain and back injuries.

Mr. Harold Walker

I am advised by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that mechanical aids and scissor lifts are not usually specifically designed to reduce the incidence of back strain and back injuries though this is one of the benefits conferred by their use. The precise number of firms in the United Kingdom providing such equip ment is not known but is estimated to be of the order of 180.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether there are any regulations which specify the weight of a load a workman is expected or may safely lift without mechanical aids; and whether specific guidance is provided by his Department on this matter.

Mr. Harold Walker

There are a number of provisions and regulations which specify maximum permissible weights which workers in certain industries or in particular groups may carry. For a list of these I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 3rd December to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer)—[Vol. 901, c. 642.]—To that list can be added:

Offices Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 Section 23(1)

a load so heavy as to be likely to cause injury to him".

General advice on lifting and carrying is given in Health and Safety at Work booklet No. 1. "Lifting and Carrying".