Industrial Diseases: Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 2 July 2012.

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Photo of Hywel Williams Hywel Williams Shadow PC Spokesperson (Education), Shadow PC Spokesperson (Work and Pensions), Shadow PC Spokesperson (Health), Shadow Spokesperson (Cabinet Office), Shadow PC Spokesperson (International Development)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recourse is open to employees who have developed mitochondrial dysfunction as a result of industrial employment carried out prior to the introduction of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

Photo of Chris Grayling Chris Grayling The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions

This condition is not one of the prescribed diseases covered by the Industrial Injuries Scheme.

I am advised by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council on which diseases and related occupations should be included (‘prescribed’) in the list of diseases for which industrial injuries disablement benefit (IIDB) can be paid. The council examines any existing or new scientific evidence on conditions where a link with a particular occupation is suggested.

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council is not aware of any published scientific evidence with regard to occupational causation involving mitochondrial dysfunction in relation to industrial diseases.

This does not prevent people who feel their health has been affected by their work from seeking advice as to the possibility of taking civil action on the grounds of negligence.

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