Employees at Risk (Hansard, 1 February 1999)

§ Mr. Clapham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the opportunities available under current legislation to take steps to reduce the risk of violence to employees whose job brings them into face to face contact with the public. [68372]

§ Mr. Meale
I have looked carefully at this issue. There has been a lot of good work done by the Health and Safety Commission and Executive. However, I want to examine what other measures are available. I have therefore written to the Health and Safety Commission to ask for advice on options for further action that will have a positive impact on preventing work-related violence.

§ Mr. Clapham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to require the Health and Safety Executive to advise employers about measures that can be taken to reduce the risk to employees of violence at work. [68373]

§ Mr. Meale
None at present. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has already issued general guidance and sector specific guidance for the retail and finance sectors. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has also issued sector specific guidance for the health care and education sectors. Health and Safety Inspectors also offer advice in the course of their normal contact with employers and employees.
Once I have received advice from the HSC, I will be able to consider what further action is necessary.

§ Mr. Clapham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with(a) trade unions and (b) employers about violence at work; and if he will make a statement. [68374]

§ Mr. Meale
When I replied to a Private Member's Debate on health and safety proposed by my hon. Friend on 4 November 1998,Official Report, columns 804–06, I stressed that this Government would not tolerate violence and aggression towards working people. I have continued to promote that message whenever I can, especially during the meetings I have with trade unions and employers. I also continue to draw attention to the issue in the many speeches I make about health and safety. Recent occasions when I have done so were speeches I made at the National Health and Safety Groups Council on 28 January and the AEEU National Academy of Safety and Health on 14 September 1998.
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In addition, both trade unions and employers participate in the Interdepartmental Committee on Violence to Staff (ICVS) which is chaired by the Health and Safety Executive.