Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by Paul Beresford (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What estimate he has made of the number of people, in each region who are exposed at work (a) to noise at levels which can permanently damage their hearing and (b) to ergonomic problems which can permanently damage their health.

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of people, in each region who are exposed at work (a) to noise at levels which can permanently damage their hearing and (b) to ergonomic problems which can permanently damage their health. [40472] Sir Paul Beresford: The information is not available in the form requested. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that around 500,000 people are exposed to noise at work of above 90 dB(A), the level at which employers are legally required to reduce exposure and provide hearing protection. There are no figures on the number exposed to ergonomic problems at work, either nationally or regionally. Most such problems can readily be put right and do not cause permanent damage to health if appropriate action is taken.

Secondary information