§ Mr. Prescottasked the Minister for Trade what progress has been made towards establishing the regulations proposed for the protection of seafarers' health and safety; whether he has yet established the industrial advisory committee for the shipping industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatThe following regulations have already been make
The Merchant Shipping (Code of Safe Working Practices) Regulations SI 1980 No. 686The Merchant Shipping (Means of Access) Regulations SI 1981 No. 1729322WThe Merchant Shipping (Safety Officials and Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations SI 1982 No. 876The following Regulations are expected to be made early in 1983:
The Merchant Shipping (General Duties) RegulationsThe Merchant Shipping (Protective Clothing and Equipment) RegulationsThe Merchant Shipping (Safe Movement and Safety Signs on Board Ship) RegulationsConsultation is proceeding on regulations to control entry into dangerous spaces and will shortly start on regulations providing for the guarding of machinery aboard ship. In liaison with the Health and Safety Executive we shall in due course be proposing regulations to update and extend controls over lifting appliances aboard ship.
I have not established an advisory committee for the shipping industry. When the regulations at present in preparation have been made and the new accident reporting system has been in operation for a period, I shall consider whether it would be appropriate to reconvene the Steering Committee on the Safety of Merchant Seamen at Work or to set up an alternative form of joint committee with both sides of the shipping industry and the Health and Safety Executive to advise on any further action which might then seem to be necessary.