AQW 23712/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/03/2025
Answered On Date: 19/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he will introduce annual cancer screening for those who are exposed to higher levels of contaminants through work, such as firefighters.

Answer:

Screening policy across the UK is informed by the recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific committee which advises the four UK countries on screening matters. Currently, there is no recommendation by the UK NSC for a population screening programme, or targeted screening programme, based on occupational exposure.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) requires all employers to assess the risk to their employees in relation to substances that are hazardous and "to prevent or adequately control" those risks.