§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the research into call centres by the Health and Safety Executive will be completed; and if the findings will be published. [107763]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Health and Safety Executive has asked the Health and Safety Laboratory to investigate the health risks associated with call centre working practices and to report by the end of 2000. The findings will inform published best practice guidance and decisions by the Health and Safety Executive on whether further action should be taken.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the research being undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive into working practices at call centres will(a) monitor the compliance of centres with the 1989 Noise at Work Regulations and (b) assess the level of hearing loss and tinnitus among call handlers. [107762]
§ Mr. MeacherThe research aims to identify and measure associated psychological and physical health risks (including from noise) and explore factors which may ameliorate them. The responsibility for monitoring compliance with the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 in call centres rests with local authorities.