Agenda item

The Committee received a report of the Corporate Health and Safety Manager which provided an update on the Council’s Health, Safety

and Wellbeing (HSW) performance for Quarter four 2021/22 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Corporate Health and Safety Manager highlighted the key areas of

the report including:

·        Incidents numbers;

·        Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy Development;

·        COVID 19 Health and Safety Update;

·        Consultation/Communication;

·        Audit and Inspections;

·        Fire Incidents and Fire Inspections;

·        Employee Health and Wellbeing;

·        Occupational Health Service;

·        Management Referrals and Health Surveillance;

·        Open Water Safety;

·        Potentially Violent Persons Register;

·        Health and Safety Related Strategic Risks.

Councillor B Kellett referred to the Health and Safety inspection carried out at Durham bus station and queried the risk that was identified. The Corporate Health and Safety Manager explained that the issue was with the hoardings loading calculations not being available to be provided to the HSE in a timely manner. He added that once the structural information was received, the hoardings were proved to be structurally sound and the matter was resolved. He noted that the hoardings had been in place during storm Arwen with no issues arising.

Responding to a query from the Chair regarding the increased figures relating to violence and aggression and anti-social behaviour, the Corporate Health and Safety Manager advised that violence and aggression figures have returned to pre-pandemic levels. He added that the figures were still quite low considering the number of services the Council provides. The figures include incidents from a variety of different sources including Councillor related concerns and incidents. Referring to the increase in Anti-social behaviour incidents, he added that the team were working closely with the Police and Neighbourhood Wardens to target problem areas and asked members to report areas of concern so they can proactively address any issues.

Councillor A Jackson referred to the Audit inspections and compliance actions and asked if comparative data could be provided in future. The Corporate Health and Safety Manager agreed to include this in future reports.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.