§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking to reduce the number of work-related illnesses and accidents that result in death. [55006]
§ Dr. WhiteheadI have been asked to reply.
The primary responsibility for avoiding fatalities arising from work-related accidents and ill health rests with employers and workers. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive have statutory responsibilities to promote health and safety and, with local authorities to enforce the law.
In 1999 the Government and the HSC recognised that improvement in health and safety including reducing the number of fatalities had reached a plateau and for that reason launched a review of health and safety. This resulted in the Revitalising Health and Safety Strategy and the first ever 10 year national health and safety targets.
HSC's Strategic Plan sets out how HSC will focus its effort to deliver the Revitalising Targets. This includes priority programmes focusing on areas of major concern in relation to fatalities, as well as accidents and ill health.
HSC will be reporting regularly on this long-term plan. The next report will be in the autumn.