Agenda item

The following report was submitted:-

HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY PANEL

10TH JANUARY, 2014

Present:-  Councillor R. S. Russell (in the Chair); Councillors G. A. Russell, P. A. Russell, Swift, Whelbourn and Wootton; Mrs. J. Adams (NUT), Mrs. S. Brook (NASUWT), Mr. P. Harris (GMB) and Mrs. K. Hall-Garritt and Mr. G. Millns (UNISON).

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ali and from Mr. K. Stoddart (ATL).

12.        MR. M. BURKITT – HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER

The Panel agreed to send their best wishes to Mr. M. Burkitt (Health and Safety Officer), wishing him a speedy recovery from illness.

13.        MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 18TH OCTOBER, 2013

Resolved:- That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel, held on 18th October, 2013, be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

14.        MATTERS ARISING

With regard to Minute No. 11(g) (Kelford School, Kimberworth), a further inspection has taken place of the changing rooms at this School. The Panel emphasised that the changing rooms must not be used for storage purposes.

15.       STATISTICS OF ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE TO EMPLOYEES

Consideration of this item was deferred until the next meeting.

16.        HEALTH AND SAFETY BULLETIN

Consideration was given to the Health and Safety Bulletin, containing recent articles and reports of legal cases relating to health and safety.

The following items were highlighted:-

     matters of interest from the Health and Safety Executive, including the 40th anniversary of the Health and Safety At Work Act; revised guidance on managing and controlling asbestos;  and practical advice on controlling legionella bacteria in water systems; it was noted that the contract for the Council’s legionella control systems are being renewed;

     safety myth (risk assessments need not be long and complex);

     recent Court Cases, one incident involving the death of an employee at the Sheffield Forgemasters; an unregistered gas fitter; and safety failings at a care home in London.

Resolved:- (1) That the Principal Health and Safety Officer distribute copies of the bulletin throughout the Authority and also publish the bulletin on the Council’s Intranet web site.

(2) That the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel be informed of the details of this Council’s legionella control systems.

17.        VISITS OF INSPECTION HELD ON 6TH DECEMBER, 2013

Consideration was given to matters arising from the visits of inspection made by the Panel on Friday, 6th December, 2013.

The report included the responses provided by Service Areas to the various issues raised at the inspections.  Particular reference was made to:-

(a) Eric Manns Building

Reference was made to the checking of the water temperature controls, to ensure the correct water temperatures within this building. It was noted that the clinical waste contract is now in place. Health and Safety Officers would make a further inspection and ensure that there are responses to all reported items. The Panel asked to be informed of action to be taken in respect of the light intensity within this building.

(b) Key Choices Property Shop (Old Town Hall, Rotherham)

The Panel emphasised that all building managers should be reminded of the requirement to prevent unauthorised access to rooms where cleaning materials are stored and to display appropriate signs where necessary. The practice of decanting cleaning fluids and chemicals into unmarked containers must also be prohibited.

(c) Portable Appliance (PAT) Testing

Discussion took place on the portable appliance (PAT) testing of electrical equipment and the need to ensure that up-to-date records of such testing are maintained and available for inspection.

(d) Visitors’ Centre, Bridgegate, Rotherham

The portable appliance (PAT) testing of electrical equipment has now been ordered.

(e) Rotherham town centre – landscaping work

Having viewed an incident involving landscaping works whilst walking between premises in the Rotherham town centre, Panel members emphasised the importance of operatives always wearing the correct personal protective equipment.

(f) Visits of Inspection – Thrybergh Country Park

Health and Safety Officers will make a visit of inspection to the Thrybergh Country Park and inspect (i) the administrative building and shop (employee safety) and (ii) view the condition of the footways (access for people with a disability).