Agenda item

The Committee received a report from the Resources Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategic Group that provided an update on health, safety and wellbeing performance for quarter two of 2019/20 (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Occupational Health and Safety Manager highlighted the key areas of the report including:

•              Fire Safety Audits

•              Fire Incidents

•              Occupational Health Service

•              Enforcement Body Interventions and Significant Incidents

•              Durham City Anti-Social Behaviour Risk Assessment

•              Health and Safety Team Audit and Inspections

•              Open Water Safety

•              Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing

•              Potentially Violent Persons Register (PVPR)

The Occupational Health and Safety Manager informed the committee of an incident that resulted in a safety breach at County Hall.  CCTV footage had been examined and the Police had been called.  As a result of the incident more stringent health and safety measures would be put in place and staff were being reminded to wear their ID badges at all times and to be vigilant.

Councillor Shuttleworth was concerned at how this breach had occurred and suggested that we went back to the days of having a doorman at each entrance.  He was advised that longer term options were being looked at.

Councillor Clark said that everyone who entered the building at the help desk without signing in or showing their pass should be challenged and agreed that everyone had a part to play to ensure everyone’s safety.  She went on to ask about the fire incident at Southfield Lodge and was advised that the County Council investigated as they had staff members working on the premises.  Liaison took place with the Fire Service.

In relation to the Potentially Violent Person’s Register, Councillor Clark commented that a large number of staff in Resources had viewed the register – 1376 times for 86 people on the register.  The Occupational Health and Safety Manager advised that he was looking at the system but would check the reasons behind it.  He said that the Council would encourage staff to use it and would focus on those who do not check the register especially when working in front line services.

Councillor Temple was advised that the 81 incidents of violence or aggression to our staff were external including both physical and verbal attacks.  He went on to ask for a further breakdown of these incidents.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.