Agenda item

Minutes of meeting held on 11^th April 2014

The following report was submitted:-

Health, Welfare and Safety Panel

11th April, 2014

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ali, P. A. Russell, Whelbourn and Wootton and from Mrs. J. Adams (NUT).

18.        Minutes of the previous meeting held on 10th January, 2014

Resolved:- That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel, held on 10th January, 2014, be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

19.        MATTERS ARISING

With regard to Minute No. 14 (Kelford School, Kimberworth), the Panel received information from the School explaining the use of the changing rooms.

20.       Statistics of Accidents, Injuries and Incidents of Violence to Employees

It was noted that the annual report of statistics, injuries and incidents of violence to employees will shortly be distributed to Members of the Health, Welfare and Safety Panel.

21.        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 public safety at large events; alcohol and substance misuse;

- safety myth (risk assessments; slips and trips; health and safety rules);

- recent Court Cases, including incidents affecting care homes.

Resolved:- 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.

22.        Reports on Visits of Inspection held on 14th March, 2014

Consideration was given to matters arising from the visits of inspection made by the Panel on Friday, 14th March, 2014.

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

(a)   Dalton Foljambe Primary School

This primary school will be re-scheduled for a future visit of inspection by the Panel.

(b)   Thrybergh Country Park

Discussion took place on the risk assessments for staff of the Visitor Centre at this Country Park. Panel Members asked to view the relevant documents. It was noted that issues concerning the safety fencing (bridge and dam wall) within the Country Park were the responsibility of Yorkshire Water plc.

(c) Disabled Toilet Facilities in Schools

The Panel emphasised that these facilities are not to be used for storage purposes.

(d) Clifton Comprehensive School

Panel members commented that school staff must be present during the visit of inspection. Discussion took place on a number of issues affecting this school (facilities for staff; CDT classrooms; accommodation for use by pupils during recess and lunch breaks). It was agreed that the Panel make a further visit of inspection to this school.

(e) Visits of Inspection – afternoon schedule

It was agreed that, during future visits of inspection, the afternoon schedule shall begin with departure from the Town Hall at 1.30 pm.