HC Deb 24 June 2002 vol 387 c740W
Helen Southworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that carers are included in risk assessments relating to professional care providing teams with equivalent health and safety needs; and what recent research he has conducted into the health and safety needs of carers, with special reference to training needs. [62273]

Jacqui Smith

The national strategy for carers, "Caring about Carers", gave advice to social services departments and to the national health service on promoting carers health and safety, including the need for training, and quoted studies about the effect of caring on people's health and safety. The Department also commissioned a report, recently published, from the Office for National Statistics on the "Mental Health of Carers". Earlier this year the Health and Safety Executive published guidance on manual handling, "Handling Home Care", which highlights issues for service providers and their care staff and for service users and their families.

The duties of undertakings, in respect of the health and safety of persons not in their employment, are laid down in section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI(99)3242).