§ 19. Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the current level of workplace inspections carried out by inspectors on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive is; and if he will make a statement. [167695]
§ Jane KennedyStatistics for the last year (2003–04) are still being compiled and are not yet available. The most recent published figure is for the year 2002–03 when 84,234 preventive inspections were made by HSE Inspectors.
HSC considers inspection as one of HSE's core activities but it is not the only type of intervention that should be used. They have just published their "New Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety in Great Britain" to 2010 and beyond.
HSE intend to focus on the most effective way to reduce injuries and ill health.
The UK is one of the safest places to work and the HSE deserve credit for the part they have played in creating a safer working environment.