§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will indicate the measures that his Department undertakes to address occupational health; and if he will make a statement. [18255]
§ Mr. OppenheimMuch of the Health and Safety Executive's everyday activity, such as modernising the framework of health and safety law, inspection of workplaces, provision of advice and formal enforcement action, addresses occupational health issues and the reduction of levels of occupational ill health. Details are contained in the Health and Safety Commission's plans of work and annual reports. The plan of work for 1995–96 will be published on 21 April and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Additionally, the HSE is giving priority in 1995 to implementing a programme of action based on the conclusions of its recent strategic review of the 10 main occupational health risks: toxic substances, biohazards, noise, vibration, ionising and non-ionising radiation, manual handling, upper limb disorders, sick building syndrome and stress. Action includes obtaining better information on the scale and pattern of ill health; commissioning further research, for example on 1117W prevention techniques; provision of practical guidance and publicity and inspection campaigns.
In May 1995, the HSE will be launching a major new three to four-year campaign, "Good Health is Good Business", to help to improve employers' management of health risks. The first year will focus in particular on noise, respiratory sensitisers and musculoskeletal risks.