Blair backs IOSHís WHAC

IOSHís role in helping to ëSafeguard the next generationí was welcomed during a session of Prime Ministerís Questions last week.

Referring to IOSHís work alongside the Health and Safety Executive in developing a Workplace Hazard Awareness Course for Year 10 students, the Prime Minister Tony Blair said: ìThe HSE and IOSH are absolutely right to bring forward a plan that will help to make young people more aware of the potential hazards in the workplace.î

Mr Blair was responding to a question from the chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on occupational safety and health and Labour MP for Barnsley West and Penistone, Michael Clapham.

Mr Clapham said: ìThe Prime Minister may be aware that over the past decade some 14,500 teenagers have been seriously injured at work. Shockingly, 66 of them died.

ìWill he join me in congratulating the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and the Health and Safety Executive on preparing a workplace hazards course for year 10 pupils, and will he ask the Education Secretary to consider making that course mandatory throughout the curriculum?î

Mr Blair said that the Education Secretary was listening to what Mr Clapham had said, and added: ìAs a result of legislation passed over many years, I am pleased to say that we have an immensely improved record on health and safety in the workplace.î

IOSH President Lisa Fowlie said: ìWe wait to see what action the Government now takes on ensuring health and safety is properly integrated into the National Curriculum. This is a vitally important issue, and itís obviously pleasing that it has been given a platform for debate at the very highest level.

ìIOSH will continue to press for action from government, educators and employers to ensure that the workers of tomorrow are able to lead a full, fit and happy life.î