§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what further steps he is taking to reduce the number of workers killed and injured in the construction industry.
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§ Mr. Mayhew[pursuant to his reply, 26 November 1979, c. 362]: I will continue to encourage and support the Health and Safety Commission and Executive in their work with the industry to reduce risks to the work force.
I am informed by the chairman of the Commission that the Commission has very recently approved a further programme of work for its construction industry advisory committee, which will include projects relating to safety training, health and safety services for small firms, and protective clothing. In addition this committee will follow up recently published reports on safety in demolition and steel erection and a recently published discussion document on the wearing of safety helmets.
The Commission and Executive will also continue to be engaged in a wide range of other relevant policy work, including the negotiation of EEC directives, the development of British and international standards, and the preparation of guidance publications, films and other training aids.
Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate will continue to develop and carry out a planned programme concentrated on selected matters of particular concern, with the general aim of promoting self-regulation in the industry.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what recommendations he has made to employers about the number of workers killed and injured in the construction industry.
§ Mr. Mayhew[pursuant to his reply, 26 November 1979, c. 362]: Responsibility for making such recommendations is exercised by the Health and Safety Commission and Executive. Information, including recommendations, on safety in construction work produced by the Commission and the Executive over the last six months includes:
- 1. "Safety in Demolition Work—Report of the sub-committee of the Joint Advisory Committee on Safety and Health in the Construction Industries" (published 23 May).
- 2. "Construction—Health and Safety 1977–78" (published 12 June).
- 3. "Fatal Accidents in Construction 1977" (published 12 June).
28 - 4. "Safety in Steel Erection—Report of a sub-committee of the Joint Advisory Committee on Safety and Health in the Construction Industries" (published in June).
- 5. "Safety helmets on construction sites—Recommendations of the Construction Industry Advisory Committee on their provision and use" (published 23 October).
Further publications of this kind are in preparation.