§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures she will take to ensure industry in the United Kingdom follows the EC directive to combat industrial deafness.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Noise at Work Regulations 1989 came into force on 1 January 1990 implementing the EC directive on the protection of workers from noise.
Since the introduction of the regulations, health and safety inspectors have given priority to a wide-ranging programme to promote awareness of and compliance with the regulations, through advisory and enforcement action. They have been widely publicised through a series of free leaflets and other guidance, including industry specific advice. Regional campaigns have emphasised the risks to health and the need for action. The HSE expects to publish an assessment of the impact of the regulations during 1993.