Written question asked by Paul Robert Holmes (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 22 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 March 2010. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Foreign Workers: EU Countries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what mechanisms are in place to ensure the compliance with health and safety requirements of workers from EU member states working in the UK.

Answer: Under UK health and safety legislation, employers must provide a safe and healthy working environment for all workers under their control, including those from EU member states. Any workers from EU member states working as self-employed will also be subject to these requirements. Workers must take reasonable care for their own and others' health and safety at work, and cooperate with their employer to enable compliance. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities are responsible for enforcing the requirements in the majority of UK workplaces, and use inspection, investigation, enforcement, advice and guidance to secure compliance.

Secondary information