§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures are being taken by the Health and Safety Executive factory inspectorate to ensure that companies which handle hazardous waste are fully implementing the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
§ Mr. ForthInspectors seek compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations —1985COSHH—at all premises and work activities for which they have enforcement responsibility for health and safety legislation and to which the regulations apply, including those of companies which handle hazardous waste. Enforcement of the regulations has been integrated into normal inspection arrangements and inspectors take whatever action is appropriate to ensure that those responsible comply with their duties under the legislation.
Inspectors give a high priority to exaimining employers' action to comply with COSHH when there is exposure to hazardous substances, and liaise with the Health and Safety Executive's employment medical advisory service on matters relating to health risk and medical surveillance. The action taken by inspectors to secure compliance can range from giving advice to the use of enforcement notices and legal proceedings in those circumstances where there is a disregard for health and safety. Inspectors enforce the regulations vigorously and pursue their inquiries to the highest levels in companies which do not meet the required standards.