HC Deb 16 March 1992 vol 205 cc831-3W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action the Health and Safety Executive factory inspectorate has taken following the incident on 2 August 1991 when a worker in the paint shop at Collier Industrial Waste Ltd. collapsed, was hospitalised and diagnosed as suffering from isocyanate-induced asthma; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Forth

The Health and Safety Executive's factory inspectorate has received no notification of an incident on 2 August 1991 at Collier Industrial Waste Ltd., Trafford Park, in which a worker collapsed in the paint shop and was diagnosed as suffering from isocyanate-induced asthma.

However, on 8 August 1991 an employment medical adviser from HSE interviewed an employee who had a medical history consistent with isocyanate-induced asthma. An inspector subsequently visited the company and wrote to it to confirm the precautions to be observed during the spraying of isocyanate paint.

A follow-up visit was also paid.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information has been laid against Collier Industrial Waste Ltd., Trafford Park and P. J. Collier Ltd., Rixton by the Health and Safety Executive since January 1989.

Mr. Forth

None.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what prosecutions have been taken and what convictions gained against Collier Industrial Waste Ltd.. Trafford Park and P. J. Collier Ltd., Rixton by the Health and Safety factory inspectorate since January 1989.

Mr. Forth

None.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences were reported to the Health and Safety Executive by Collier Industrial Waste Ltd., Trafford Park and P. J. Collier Ltd., Rixton since January 1989.

Mr. Forth

Since January 1989, Collier Industrial Waste Ltd., Trafford Park has reported no diseases or dangerous occurrences but has reported to the Health and Safety Executive the following three injuries:

  • in 1989 a tyre fitter sustained an injury to his forehead;
  • in 1990 an employee tripped and broke his arm;
  • in 1991 a fitter/welder received bruises to his arm and leg.
No injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences have been reported to HSE by P. J. Collier Ltd., Rixton, since January 1989.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what notices have been issued against Collier Industrial Waste Ltd., Trafford Park and P. J. Collier Ltd., Rixton, by the Health and Safety Executive Factory Inspectorate since January 1989.

Mr. Forth

The Health and Safety Executive's factory inspectorate has issued one improvement notice against Collier Industrial Waste Ltd., Trafford Park, since January 1989, in respect of machinery safety.

The factory inspectorate has issued no notices against P. J. Collier Ltd., Rixton, since January 1989.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action was taken since February 1991 by the Health and Safety Executive factory inspectorate to ensure that paint shop workers at Collier Industrial Waste Ltd. were not exposed to dangerous isocyanate fumes, by taking action including carrying out dust sampling and consideration of the use of alternative paints in the paint shop and consideration of the adequacy of respiratory protection.

Mr. Forth

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations, it is the legal responsibility of Collier Industrial Waste Ltd. to ensure that its paint shop workers are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. This includes the risk of exposure to dangerous isocyanate fumes. Since February 1991, the Health and Safety Executive's factory inspectorate has visited the premises at Trafford Park on two occasions and has drawn the company's attention to its legal obligations, including the duty to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988. In particular the company's attention has been drawn to the need to assess exposure to dust in the paint shop, to consider using alternative paints and to check the adequacy of the respiratory protective equipment provided.