To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to raise awareness of the health risks arising from sleep deprivation. (264411)

I have been asked to reply.

HSE recognises that fatigue as a consequence of sleep deprivation can affect performance and increase the risk of work-related accidents, injuries and possibly ill-health. HSE has published guidance (HSG 256, Managing shift work: Health and Safety Guidance) to assist employers in managing these risks in their workforce.

The guidance includes background information on the health and safety risks associated with shift work and fatigue, UK legal duties and practical guidance on how to reduce the risks. This advice is also summarised in the form of good practice guidelines. The guidance is available from:

www.hsebooks.co.uk.

A short summary of the guidance, including the good practice guidelines, is available on our website at:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/shiftwork/index.htm.