§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the adequacy of health and safety protection for school-age children while engaged in employment.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI am satisified that the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and its relevant statutory provisions ensures that employers offer adequate protection for all those engaged in work activities including school-age children. Local byelaws further regulate their employment.
The provisions of HSWA were extended by the Health and Safety (Training for Employment) Regulations 1990 to ensure that pupils taking part in work experience were fully protected.
Mrs. ClywdTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with(a) the Child Accident Prevention Trust and (b) other agencies concerning the incidence of accidents involving school-age children at work.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythNone, but officials of the Health and Safety Executive are represented on the council of the Child Accident Prevention Trust and have good contacts with a number of other relevant safety agencies.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the information available on the number of accidents involving children at work.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 require employers and others to report to the Health and Safety Executive or to local authorities all accidents Much involve employees and makes no exception for employees of school age. All fatalities at work become known to HSE either through accident reports, or through a coroner's office.
HSE has no evidence to suggest that employers vary their approach to reporting according to the age of their employees.
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