§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many accidents were reported in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974 which could be attributed to lifting heavy loads; how many of these resulted in injury to the back; and what proposals has the Health and Safety Commission for either regulations or a code of practice manual on lifting of heavy loads.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the estimated number of accidents involving strains, sprains, etc., to the trunk, including slipped discs, in accident notifications received by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate under the Factories Act 1961 were:
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1971 49,280 (2,180)* 1972 47,480 (2,420) 1973 50,460 (2,380) 1974 51,480 (2,200) * Figures in brackets show the number of slipped discs included in total. It is not possible to say how many of these injuries could be directly attributable to the lifting of heavy loads.
The Health and Safety Commission proposes to consider the question of regulations or a code of practice on lifting heavy weights as part of the wide-ranging revision of existing relevant statutory provisions under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.