HC Deb 26 February 1991 vol 186 cc455-6W
Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, what health advice is available to the staff of the House and, in particular, to those who work with visual display units.

Mr. Beith

[holding answer 22 February 1991]: A nursing sister was appointed to the House in 1977 and has been available for consultation by Members and staff since then. The House also has arrangements for access to the civil service occupational health service. In addition, arrangements have been made in the past for workplace cervical screening.

On 16 July 1990 the House of Commons Commission approved the establishment of an occupational health service for staff of the House of Commons. The House of Lords will participate in the scheme on a cost-sharing basis.

The service will be staffed by a qualified medical adviser and the equivalent of two full-time nursing advisers. They will have the professional support of the occupational health department of St. Thomas's hospital on a contractual basis. The service is expected to begin on 1 March.

The new unit will provide a range of medical and occupational health services for staff of both Houses, such as pre-employment screening, referrals in respect of long-term sickness, the maintenance of health standards, and the routine screening of certain occupations.

In advance of using visual display units, staff are encouraged to take an eye test administered by the nursing sister. If any defect in eyesight is revealed the member of staff is referred to an optician. If spectacles are prescribed for use with VDUs, financial provision is available to cover their cost and the cost of the eye test.

Staff working with VDUs are issued with a guidance booklet published by the Health and Safety Executive on the ergonomic aspects of their work. A more comprehensive publication produced jointly by CCTA and the Council of Civil Service Unions is issued to the departmental managers of staff operating VDUs.

In addition, inspections of the ergonomic aspects of working with VDUs are carried out from time to time in departments of the House to establish good working practices. Once the occupational health service is established, these inspections will be arranged on a regular basis.