Written question asked by David Crausby (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 June 2011. It was answered by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 June 2011 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Industrial Injuries

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people with illnesses (a) caused or (b) exacerbated by exposure to high temperatures in the course of their employment.

Answer: There is insufficient evidence to allow a reliable estimate to be made. HSE carried out a survey into high workplace temperatures in 2009, to which 2,933 responses were submitted. This offered no evidence of significant numbers of illnesses caused or exacerbated by exposure to high temperatures in the course of their employment. At the time of this survey, HSE contacted the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council, as they monitor scientific reports and publications about occupational diseases. They reported that no research or evidence on the effect of heat at work on certain occupations has been brought to their attention.

Secondary information