HC Deb 14 February 1989 vol 147 cc151-2W
64. Mr. Madel

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he expects the number of accidents at work to decrease in 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholls

The statistical evidence is difficult to interpret, because of changes over time in industry structure and in reporting regulations, exacerbated by under-reporting. Forecasts of future rates would not be meaningful.

I welcome indications in the Health and Safety Commission's annual report for 1987–88 that, subject to these caveats, the rate of reported major injuries to employees in manufacturing may have levelled off. But the rate remains too high, while higher rates for workers in some other sectors, notably construction and quarrying, give particular cause for concern.

Responsibility for ensuring health and safety at work rests primarily with employers. I welcome the indications in the commission's report of increasing safety-related activity in industry. I believe this trend will continue, as employers become more aware of the economic as well as the human costs of accidents.

The Government support the work of the Health and Safety Commission and Executive to stimulate and guide industry towards higher standards. Ministers' decisions in the 1988 public expenditure survey will increase real provision for the commission in each of the next three years, enabling the executive to employ more inspectors and carry out more inspections.

88. Sir David Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on the relative current standards of(a) United Kingdom and (b) other European Community countries legislation on safety at work and health at work; and how much amending legislation will be necessary in the United Kingdom between now and 1992.

Mr. Nicholls

Direct comparisons are not possible because of differences in legal systems, enforcement arrangements and statistical systems. I am arranging for a copy of evidence given by the Health and Safety Commission to the Employment Committee (January 1987) on these issues to be sent to my hon. Friend.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 was a forward-looking enabling measure designed to maintain or improve existing health and safety standards while providing flexibility to adapt to changing technology. The Act and its associated regulations, codes and guidance provide for a high standard of protection and I believe offers a useful model for the EC in developing harmonised minimum standards.

We seek in negotiations to make our standards the basis of EC ones wherever practicable, thus limiting amendments needed to our own law. Some amendments will, however, be required, not least in areas—such as noise, or major chemical hazards—where a need for improved provisions is generally perceived and can best develop internationally.

A major United Kingdom aim, as the scope of EC health and safety law expands, will be to ensure that our high standards of enforcement are matched throughout the EC. We shall pursue this as appropriate in negotiations, and in studies and discussions with the Community institutions and other member states.