§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes the Health and Safety Executive has recently authorised in working hour arrangements for safety critical staff in the railways industry. [13805]
§ Mr. WattsNone. The Health and Safety Executive is not required to authorise working hour arrangements on the railways. However, under the Railways (Safety Critical Work) Regulations 1994, employers have a duty to ensure that any staff who undertake safety critical work do not work such hours that would be liable to cause fatigue which could endanger safety.
The Health and Safety Commission has recently consulted on a draft approved code of practice which would give practical guidance to employers on their duty, including guidance on carrying out a risk assessment before making any changes to existing working time patterns.