Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department takes to ensure the safe use of equipment used by companies to whom his Department's services are contracted.

For all of the Department’s major outsourced contracts to deliver its services, for example health assessments and employment-related training provision, the suppliers are responsible for providing and maintaining all items of equipment within their premises necessary for the supply of the services.

In addition, as part of their contractual obligations, suppliers are required to comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any other acts, orders, regulations and codes of practice relating to health and safety, which may apply to their staff and other persons working on the premises. The Department manages these supplier obligations as part of its regular contract and performance management activities.