Issue - meetings

The Board was provided with a report from the Corporate Director – Chief Executive’s Delivery Unit, on the performance of health and safety management within the Authority from 1 April 2024 to 31 August 2024.

The report highlighted health and safety incidents that had taken place over the past 4 months and as a result of those incidents proposed actions for the future. The report included information around the number of actual near misses, accidents that had resulted in over seven day absences, together with significant accidents.

In addition, the report contained information on the performance of health and safety management in relation to key performance indicators for the current financial year.

          Following discussions it was noted that:

·       concerns were raised that if the Protect Duty/Martyn’s Law was implemented, the Council would have an obligation to protect its buildings against terrorism and this would be challenging due to a low number of caretakers.  It was agreed that once more information became available, this matter would be re-visited;

·       a member of the Board said that they did not recall any practice evacuations taking place whilst they were in any of the Council buildings.  It was suggested that although many practice evacuations had taken place for staff, it appeared that Members had not been involved.  It was agreed that this would be taken into account for future practice evacuations;

·       Councillor Philbin reported that he had received some reports of incidents where Council staff had received abuse in Victoria Park when dealing with people walking their dogs off lead, however, this did not seem to be reflected in the figures.  It was agreed that this would be investigated and the Board would be updated in due course;  and

·       the school crossing patrol staff member who had been injured by a mobility scooter,  had fully recovered from their injuries.

RESOLVED:  That the Board note the contents of the report including the recommendations and actions for 2024/25.