HC Deb 30 January 1990 vol 166 cc105-6W
Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will give details of the research project into repetitive strain injury being planned by the Health and Safety Executive; when it started; when it is expected to finish; what are the objectives; and what will be the total cost;

(2) if he will place in the Library the two studies on repetitive strain injury which have just been completed for the Health and Safety Executive by the universities of Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Mr. Nicholls

The report of the study carried out by the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh is found in the Library, Deposited Paper No. 5131. The Health and Safety Executive is still awaiting the report from the university of Birmingham. The executive is currently supporting a small study at the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh, which follows on from the earlier project. The current study aims to produce an ergonomic guide or assessment aid which will enable non-experts to identify work activities which may lead to upper limb disorders. It started on 1 October 1989, finishes on 31 March 1990 and will cost £17,783. Negotiations are currently taking place between the Health and Safety Executive and the institute on possible support for research into upper limb disorders occurring in keyboard operators.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when the Health and Safety Executive plans to publish guidelines aimed at preventing repetitive strain injury; and what plans he has to publicise these guidelines.

Mr. Nicholls

The Health and Safety Executive plans to publish guidance entitled "Work Related Upper Limb Disorders: A Guide to Prevention" in spring this year. The guidance will be publicised by means of a press notice. The executive's inspectors and employment medical advisers will bring it to the attention of employers in the course of their duties. The HSE is also producing clinically oriented guidance for occupational health professionals and a check list and risk assessment guide aimed at employers.