Decision details

To provide for information an annual report on the progress to implement an effective health and safety system across the Council for the 2023/24 financial year.

Decision(s):

The presentation of the Annual Health and Safety Report be approved.

Reason(s) for the Decision(s):

The Council has in accordance with its responsibilities to manage health and safety approved a Council-wide Corporate Health and Safety Policy with the latest version approved in April 2019.  The policy sets out the Council’s approach to health and safety, the responsibilities for key staff for managing the system and the arrangements within the Council for monitoring health and safety.

A key objective from the Policy is to clarify and strengthen governance arrangements for health and safety across the Council.

The Policy outlines that the Cabinet has strategic responsibility for employee related health and safety in the Council and that the Audit and Governance committee's responsibilities are to consider the Council's arrangements for health and safety, receive regular assurances and assessments on the effectiveness of these arrangements.

The Policy also states that the Corporate Health and Safety Team is responsible for providing an annual report on Health and Safety to Cabinet on behalf of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services. This report meets this requirement.

Currently the Audit and Governance Committee receives an update on health and safety performance on a quarterly basis which includes the following information:

·       Progress on health and safety actions due to be undertaken during the quarter.

·       Updates on health and safety performance including accidents and incidents.

·       Any emerging legal or health safety related issues.

·       Proposed activity in the next quarter.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not providing a report however this is in contradiction to the responsibilities detailed in the Corporate Council’s Health and Safety Policy and therefore rejected.