§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to ensure that employers compile a list of substances used in their business which describes their hazards and the precautions to be taken in 457W their use; and if he will seek legislation to require lists of hazardous substances, and a description of the hazards of each, to be displayed on the work premises.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places a duty on every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees. This duty extends to the provision of such information as is necessary for this purpose but information is not the only, nor necessarily the principal, means of ensuring employees' health and safety.
The Health and Safety Commission is currently considering its general policy on the provision of information to employees, and also more specific proposals in relation to the control of substances hazardous to health. The commission's plan of work for 1981–82 and onwards includes proposals for the preparation of regulations, approved codes of practice and guidance notes on the control of substances hazardous to health and the advisory committee on toxic substances is studying preliminary proposals. These proposals include the assessment of the employer's work activities to produce information on the nature and degreee of exposure to substances hazardous to health and the provision of appropriate information to employees.
HSC expects to publish its proposals in 1983 and a period for consultation will follow. This would be the appropriate time to consider the matters that the right hon. Member has raised.