Agenda item

The Committee received a Report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth that provided the annual report on Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) performance for 2022/23 (for copy see file of minutes).

Kevin Lough, Corporate Health and Safety Compliance Manager gave a presentation that highlighted the summary key points.  He noted that there was an error on page four of the report on the infographic which should read an annual increase of 14% not 91%.

K Lough responded to Councillor Watson that the Ambassador Award was a level of recognition from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for better health at work award.  If awarded DCC would be acknowledged as a public ambassador for the award and mentor for other employers.

P Darby explained that the award was helpful with recruitment and retention of staff.  The TUC would also promote DCC as a good employer.  There had been five to six years of work that had gone in to prepare for the award.

Mr Rudd was concerned that it was the first time he had heard of radon gas being an issue in the North East.  He thought it was a Southern issue.  He queried if there were any hotspots in County Durham where there were issues.

K Lough confirmed that radon gas was generally an issue in the South of the Country, however UK Health Security (UKHSA) had updated their mapping data and had found small amounts of the gas in County Durham.  The amount was not as significant as Southern areas but it required DCC to carry out assessments and provide evidence of the action taken. After which there would be no further action required for ten years.  He did not expect any issues.

P Darby mentioned that the position was a result of the legacy of mining and the geology of the county, with radon gas more prevalent in the West of the County. It tended to accumulate in cellars and basements of older buildings.  He confirmed that assessment kits had been purchased and a programme had been established to carry out the assessments that would commence in the high-risk areas in the West initially and continue East until every DCC building had been assessed.  The kits would be placed in basements for a three-month period and the data returned to UKHSA for analysis.  It was not expected that there would be any issues but the risk would continue to be monitored. 

Resolved:

That the report be noted and the contents agreed.