HC Deb 28 March 2003 vol 402 c439W
Mr. Borrow

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he is making to ensure a healthy work environment for employees. [98639]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responsible for ensuring that risks to people's health and safety from work activities are properly controlled. However, the duty to ensure a healthy working environment for employees lies with employers, as set out in the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.

HSC/E has developed a cross-governmental long-term occupational health strategy, Securing Health Together. The strategy will raise workplace standards in occupational health, both preventing risk and promoting retention and rehabilitation. The strategy includes targets to cut the number of days lost due to work related-ill health and to improve the opportunities for rehabilitation. A key aspect of Securing Health Together is its focus on partnership working between HSE, other Government Departments, the devolved Administrations, local groups, trade unions, industry groups and professional bodies. More detailed information can be found in HSC's Strategic Plan 2001–04 and HSC's Business Plan 2002–03.