Monitoring Workers Exposed to Carcinogens
Allen asked about routine monitoring and a register linking occupational exposure to cancer and deaths. Daly cited existing factory regulations and European Community work, but had no death figures or confirmation of a register; he offered to provide information and pass on Allen’s proposal.
asked the Minister for Labour if he will introduce routine monitoring of workers exposed to carcinogens.
Comment on this
Existing regulatory provisions relating to the protection of workers from exposure to carcinogens include the Factories (Carcinogenic Substances) Regulations, 1972, and the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975. The application of those provisions is enforced by my Department's industrial inspectorate and occupational medical services division.
Officers of the Department are participating in work within the European Community designed towards the introduction of improved standards of protection for workers exposed to carcinogens. The general approach is to prevent exposure as far as practicable and, where this is not possible, to apply appropriate controls. It is expected that this work will be completed to coincide with the designated European Year against Cancer in 1989. I have instructed my Department to prepare a programme of activities related to carcinogens at the workplace to be undertaken in conjunction with that European initiative.
Comment on this
Would the Minister agree that workers exposed to carcinogens suffer genetic damage and various types of cancer? Would he inform the House if any register of deaths from carcinogens has been set up? If not, do the Department propose to set up such a register?
Comment on this
I do not have specific details relating to the number of deaths from carcinogens, but if the Deputy communicates with the office, they will make available to him the very detailed information I have here.
Comment on this
Does the Minister know the number of deaths that have occurred in recent years from such exposure?
Comment on this
A final supplementary question. Would the Minister consider setting up a register to establish the relationship between various types of cancer and different occuptions in which carcinogens are used? Has he any plans for setting up that type of study?
Comment on this
There are a number of EC directives for the protection of workers from exposure to carcinogens. There are some regulations in the Factories Acts which I have already outlined. These are enforced by the inspectorate of the Department. From the information available to me here, I am not aware if there is a specific register but I shall bring the views of the Deputy to the Minister's attention and he will communicate direct with him.