The Health
and Safety Commission and Executive
35. Mr Hillier confirmed that the final rate of fatalities
resulting from work activities in 1996-97 had risen to 1.2 per
100,000 workers from 1.0 per 100,000 workers in 1995-96.[53]
However, he added that preliminary figures for 1997-98 indicated
this was an "unfortunate blip" rather than the beginning
of an upward trend.[54]
The Health and Safety Executive had responded to the risewhich
had been identified most markedly in the agriculture and construction
industriesby targeting inspections and enforcement activities
in these areas of greatest perceived risk. He concluded that this
had "had the result of raising the profile [of health and
safety] very smartly in that sector".[55]
36. While the HSC/E produces an Annual Report and
Plan of Work of its own, we would have liked to have seen more
specific and relevant details of actual outturns in the DETR Annual
Report. Although the matters raised in Figure 17.a (such as the
introduction of legislation, number of contacts made and efficiency
gains achieved) are all significant as a measure of the HSC/E's
efficiency, we would prefer to have seen other measures included
which reflected more directly on the Executive's effectiveness
as an enforcer of health and safety standards in the workplace.
The table includes a comparison of fatal injury rates for 1986-87
and 1996-97 as a "contextual indicator"; Mr Hillier
reminded us that the indicators on health are also important,
although not reproduced in that document.[56]
In respect of the HSE's regulatory role, we would also have been
interested to see an indication of the number of successful prosecutions
together with the range of penalties incurred. We recommend
that the Health and Safety Commission/Executive include a greater
number of contextual indicators, more accurately reflecting its
wide remit, in next year's Departmental Annual Report.
37. We took the opportunity of Mr Hillier's appearance
before us to raise once more the question of white asbestos, and
were disappointed to learn that progress towards a ban has been
slow since the former Environment Committee raised the question
in March 1997.[57] Mr
Hillier told us that the preliminary results of research into
the safety of alternatives to asbestos suggested that the alternatives
were preferable: this was confirmed by the Department of Health's
Committee on Carcinogenicity on 13th July.[58]
Mr Hillier also told us that while it would be for the Minister
to decide on the timing of a ban, he believed that it ought to
be possible to introduce regulations in the autumn.[59]
This possibility has now been discounted as the Health and Safety
Commission has decided to consult on the effect of any further
restrictions on the use of white asbestos. It expects to "be
in a position to advise Ministers on the outcome ... in early
January".[60] We
are deeply concerned that a ban on the importation, supply and
use of white asbestos continues to be delayed. The Government
must ensure that the consultation proceeds according to the timetable
set, and should introduce any necessary regulations as a matter
of urgency.
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