Agenda item

To provide the Staff Committee with an overview of the Council’s Corporate Health & Safety Annual Report 2018/19.

Members considered the Corporate Annual Health & Safety Report 2018/19 presented by Sam Anthony. 

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Mason said that of the two main high risk areas, the Base and Wisbech Port, there is no specific mention of any marine training at the Port and asked for further information. Sam Anthony responded that Port Services have their own safety group with a port marine safety code. The panel meets quarterly and includes the Corporate Director, Harbour Master, key marine staff and an independent person to ensure health and safety compliance. This information can be incorporated into next year’s report for clarity. Councillor Mason said this would be very useful.

·       Councillor Mrs French asked why the report gave only an approximate number of employees. Sam Anthony advised that the number fluctuates hence the approximation, although this figure would have been correct at the time of the report being printed.

·       Councillor Boden stated that this is a good report but it is important to note that there were three RIDDOR reportable accidents. Although all three were correctly reported to the HSE, who subsequently took no further action, he felt it needed to be recorded that this Committee is aware of them and although these incidents were regrettable, it would be hoped that this figure will be zero this year. We must be alert to any trends which exist and to any messages that there may be within these reports.

·       Councillor Bristow asked how frequently play areas are inspected, and are these visual checks or by means of testing the equipment? Sam Anthony advised she would check and confirm this information.

·       Councillor Yeulett asked if we differentiate between accidents and incidents. Sam Anthony confirmed that we do and that all accidents and near misses are recorded and investigated to identify trends and training needs. The Health & Safety Panel meets quarterly and reviews all accidents and near misses.

·       Councillor Yeulett asked if there was a common thread to the 15 accidents recorded for the Communities, Environment and Leisure Team. Sam Anthony confirmed these were mainly slips and trips relating to the Refuse and Cleansing teams.  Although these teams have the correct PPE and footwear, they are out on the Highway in all weathers, often walking on uneven or slippery pavements.

·       Councillor Bristow asked if we receive reports of accident reports from our contracted services, particularly the leisure centres. Sam Anthony responded that we do not receive reports in the same way that we used to when staff were employed by the Council, but as part of the leisure contract arrangements we have asked for an annual summary of staff training and accidents. However there is no data available yet, as it has not been a full year since the transfer.

·       Councillor Cornwell asked if we receive any data in relation to the grounds maintenance contractors, as even though we are not responsible for them, they are primarily working on our property. Sam Anthony advised that she understands we not receive this information currently but will request that going forward and ensure that process is followed through our Parks and Open Spaces Team. Sam Anthony also stated that any contractor working on our premises, for example Fenland Hall, who had an accident, would be required to report it.

·       Councillor Clark asked if the leisure centres were obliged to provide us with their accident data. Sam Anthony confirmed that although we could request it, they were not obliged to supply it. Councillor Clark pointed out that he was sure the general public would hold the Council partly responsible if we did not show due diligence in taking care of contractors’ health and safety. Sam Anthony advised she would pass that on to the Contracts Manager, however in terms of detail it will not be our data to request so some of the information may be subject to GDPR restriction. Councillor Clark added that he would assume somewhere in the contract, they would be held responsible to provide a safe service but if we have not made that request it is probably too late.

·       Councillor Cornwell added that as an ex-contractor, working to contract terms, it was a requirement within his contract to issue such data and suggested our contract conditions either need revisiting or the request needs to be built into the system post-contract.  Sam Anthony advised that she will consult the Contracts Manager and come back to the Committee regarding this. 

·       Councillor Yeulett added that it is important that we find out where the liability lies here so that contracts are clear who is responsible in the case of an accident. 

·       Councillor Mason asked if the emergency services are always called if an employee loses consciousness. Sam Anthony confirmed this was generally correct, but would be at the discretion of the trained first-aiders.

·       Councillor Bristow stated that, presumably, the buildings such as the leisure centres are still under the control of the Council, and if so how do we know they are fit for purpose? Sam Anthony confirmed the buildings are still owned by the Council and they are inspected by our own engineering team to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

Proposed by Cllr Boden and seconded by Cllr Bristow, the Staff Committee noted the Corporate Annual Health & Safety Report 2018/19.