§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in what hours telephone advice is available from the Health and Safety Executive to the general public; how many requests for telephone advice from the general public to the Health and Safety Executive were received outside normal hours in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement on emergency advice requested by members of the public. [102593]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownHSE Infoline is the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Contact Centre providing help and information about health and safety at work, and access to expert advice and guidance. HSE Infoline is open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm from Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays.
Infoline currently receives about 250,000 calls and 25,000 written enquiries a year. During the 12 months ending 28 February 2003, Infoline received 1,683 calls out of hours.
In addition HSE provides a Duty Officer system to handle calls taken outside normal working hours. In the 12 months ending 28 February 2003, 2,411 calls were received by the Duty Officer system. Of these, 618 calls were passed immediately to an inspector for action and 842W investigation, 1,345 were referred the next working day and 448 were referred to other appropriate agencies including Local Authorities.
There is also a HSE website which provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week access to a wide range of advice, guidance and information from HSE.