Agenda item

The Committee considered 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 three 2022/23 (for copy see file of minutes).

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

Quarter 3 incidents in numbers;

Audits and Inspections;

Fire Incidents and Inspections;

Occupational Health Service;

Employee Health and Wellbeing

Open Water Safety;

Potentially Violent Persons Register;

Corporate Risks that may impact on Health and Safety.

Councillor B Kellett raised concerns about crew safety and potential insurance costs relating to fire incidents caused by batteries on board refuse vehicles.  It was noted that some schools had battery disposal schemes and it was suggested that the scheme be rolled out to all schools in the county. The Corporate Health and Safety Manager advised that refuse crews in County Durham had acted quickly and followed the safe working procedures for dealing with hot loads, however he acknowledged there were issues nationally and, unfortunately, refuse vehicles had been lost in other part of the Country.

Members further discussed bin stickers that inform residents not to put certain items in bins, however further information was required where to dispose of those items correctly. Councillor T Smith felt that more Member awareness was required and suggested that a Member seminar be arranged on the topic.

The Corporate Health and Safety Manager advised that he would feedback comments to colleagues in refuse and recycling.

Resolved:

That the report be agreed.