§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it a duty on employers to ensure that ear protectors are worn by persons operating pneumatic drills; and if he will make a statement. [84627]
§ Mr. MealePersons who operate pneumatic drills are already covered by the provision of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 which require employers to reduce the risk of damage to hearing from exposure to noise and to take specific actions, including providing suitable ear protectors to employees at specified levels of daily personal noise exposure.