Agenda item

To consider a report by the Corporate Health and Safety Manager (copy enclosed) which provides an update on Health and Safety management within DCC as seen from the perspective of the Corporate H&S team.

                                                                                10.40 a.m. – 11.10 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Corporate Health and Safety Manager (CHSM), which provided an update on Health and Safety management within Denbighshire as seen from the perspective of the Corporate Health and Safety Team (CHST), had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

          The CHSM introduced the report which provided information regarding an annual update on health and safety management in Denbighshire.  The CHST activities covered many Denbighshire operational workplaces and improvements in Health and safety awareness and management had been observed.  When weaknesses, gaps or problems were identified in management systems or process, the necessary support, guidance and training was provided to the extent of available resources.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) feedback suggested that Denbighshire’s safety management was positive.  Despite being in a generally positive position it would be important not to become complacent and continue to drive and support the Health and Safety improvement process.

The data for accidents\incidents for April, 2014 to March, 2015 indicated that the number of incidents had shown a decrease from 2013\2014.  The decrease reflected the advice provide to schools as the single largest contributor to the numbers, and the Team were aware that the potential for under-reporting was ever present.  The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) incidents had also decreased partly due to the reporting requirements of RIDDOR being changed late in 2013.

Details of one significant incident, involving a waste management operative, which had instigated a full HSE investigation with no fault found against the Council.

The report also included details pertaining to:-

·                 Monitoring of safety systems in in workplaces.

·                 A Coroner request to look at Prestatyn promenade following a fall that resulted in a fatality.  The report had been included as Appendix 2.

·                 Fleet depot – Appendix 3 detailed an ongoing issue with Plastecowood.

·                 Concerns relating to the Rhyl Yacht Club, Quay Wall and Boat Yard had been included in Appendix 4. Staff Protection Register (SPR).

·                 CHST structure.

·                 Accident / Incident Reporting.

Councillor A. Roberts referred to section 4.1.3 of the report and highlighted the importance of ensuring that school buildings were properly maintained to avoid accidents.  The CHSM confirmed that all accidents reported in schools were recorded electronically and assessed individually to ascertain if further action was required.  Members were informed that detailed information was presented to the Corporate Health, Safety and Welfare Committee, and each school had a Health and Safety Committee which monitored health and safety issues within the school. 

In reply to a question from Councillor M.Ll. Davies regarding security within Council buildings and the importance of staff and members of the public displaying identity badges, the DSM agreed to pursue the concerns raised regarding security and visitors to Council establishments.

The CHSM responded to a question from Councillor G. Sandilands and confirmed that the level of training provided for staff had remained the same in 2015 and 2014.  He explained that the courses available had been advertised on TRENT and in Intranet, with the training provided having focused on personal responsibility. 

In response to queries regarding claims against the Authority, the CHSM explained that compliance with the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Duty in Civil Law, which required the Council to take reasonable precautions, would in the event of a claim be utilised as a basis for defence.

Concern were raised regarding problems emanating from seagulls, particularly at school premises.  The CHSM confirmed that information and guidance relating to this subject had been compiled by the HCES and distributed to schools.  Details of the relevant legislation and legal implications were outlined for the Committee.  The HCES confirmed that, despite the matter being beyond the remit of the Council, she and the Head of Highways and Environmental Services had agreed to examine the options available and provide advice to address the problem in the appropriate manner.

The Chair referred to the excellent work undertaken by the Corporate Health and Safety Team.  He explained that Denbighshire had recently been requested by the HSE to provide a neighboring authority with copies of the safety systems used in their waste collection business, as they regarded Denbighshire’s systems as displaying the use of best practice.

Following further discussion it was:-

RESOLVED – that Performance Scrutiny Committee:-

(a)        receives the report and notes the activities of the Corporate Health and Safety Team, and

(b)        requests that the Democratic Services Manager pursues the concerns raised regarding security relating to visitors to Council establishments.