§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many accidents have occurred in each year over the past five years to butchers while preparing or boning meat; and what steps he is taking to ensure greater safety in these matters.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the information relating to accidents to butchers occurring while preparing or boning meat is not available. Both factory and local authority inspectors are continuously advising on safe methods of working and the use of suitable protective clothing in hazardous situations. In the case of butchers using handknives this would entail the wearing of reinforced gloves and aprons. Any 581W area causing particular concern can be made the subject of special investigations. During 1975 the increasing use of handsaws for the cutting of food, including frozen meat, was investigated. The results are now being analysed.