HC Deb 22 July 2004 vol 424 cc456-7W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the incidence rate was of cases of work-related ill health in each of the last seven years. [184677]

Jane Kennedy

No single source of information gives a complete and reliable measure of work-related ill health in Great Britain. The most inclusive and broadly based estimates come from self-reporting surveys in which individuals are asked to report any work-related ill health they have suffered in the last 12 months. In the period requested only one such measure is available, for 2001–02. For this year the estimated incidence rate was 2,200 per 100,000. A more up-to-date estimate, covering 2003–04, will be published later this year.

Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many members of the public have suffered ill health as a result of work activity in each of the last seven years. [184678]

Jane Kennedy

Comprehensive figures do not exist for the number of cases of ill health suffered as a result of work activity by members of the public, that is, by people other than workers. There are a number of issues that can contribute to ill health in the public caused by work activity. These include Healthcare Acquired Infection (HAI), pesticide-related ill health and Legionellosis. Partial information through the incidence statistics collected by various bodies, including HSE, local authorities and health agencies.