Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Government is taking to reduce the number of deaths at work related to (a) respiratory diseases and (b) mesothelioma.

The Government’s policy on reducing the number of deaths at work related to respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, is well established. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has responsibility for occupational health and safety legislation which aims to prevent exposure to harmful substances that can cause these diseases.

HSE focuses its activities on areas where there are high numbers of workers who are exposed and/or where there is evidence of a high incidence rate of disease. It does this through a range of approaches and interventions, specifically:

• Securing effective risk management and control through a variety of interventions with businesses including licensing, inspections, investigations of incidents and concerns raised by workers and others;
• Leading and engaging those who undertake or influence health and safety; and
• Ensuring that the regulatory framework remains effective.