Agenda item

Report from the Executive Director of Corporate Services.

Recommendations

That Cabinet:

1.     Approve the revised Health and Safety Policy and Statement of Intent.

2.    Agree to receive an annual report relating to Health and Safety performance.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the statutory requirement for the Council to maintain a Health and Safety Policy that set out the organisation’s approach to managing health and safety. The revised Policy and Statement of Intent was presented for consideration and recommended for approval, following extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.

The report also summarised the key changes made since the Policy was last approved by Cabinet, reflecting findings from recent reviews and consultation exercises. It also set out how the Policy’s key objectives would be delivered and monitored, with specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) referenced as the primary route through which the Policy would be implemented, embedded, and operationally managed across the Council. The Policy further took account of the change in Chief Executive since the Policy was last approved.

Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 placed a statutory duty on the Council, as an employer, to prepare, implement and maintain a written Health and Safety Policy that set out the organisation’s approach to

managing health and safety. The Act also required the Council to ensure that this Policy was effectively communicated to all employees, so they understood the standards, responsibilities and procedures expected of them. Compliance with this duty was essential to ensure that the Council demonstrated robust governance, promoted safe working practices and fulfilled its legal obligations in protecting employees and others affected by its activities.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who regulated Health and Safety Practice, state in their guidance that as a minimum the Policy should address three clear areas:

• A statement of intent – articulating a clear commitment from the organisation to protect the health and safety of its employees and those affected by its work activities. This should be signed by the most senior person in the organisation and reviewed regularly.
  
  
• Responsibilities and accountability for health and safety - a clear expression of officers, positions and roles that have specific responsibilities for health and safety across the organisation, including reporting lines and any relevant delegations of this responsibility.
  
  
• Arrangements for health and safety – aimed to provide details of the practical arrangements in place and how the Council will achieve its Policy aims.
  
  

The Council’s Health and Safety Policy & Statement of Intent (Appendix 1) was constructed in line with the guidance and good practice recommendations made through statutory bodies such as the HSE. A detailed Standing Operating Procedures representing the Organisational Arrangements for the Management of the Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) was referenced at Appendix 2 to provide assurance on the robust nature of the Council’s arrangements for Health and Safety.

The introduction of an annual Health and Safety report into Cabinet would further strengthen corporate governance and oversight.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the revised Health and Safety Policy and Statement of Intent.

2.    Agree to receive an annual report relating to Health and Safety performance.