Meeting documents

To consider the report.

The Committee considered and discussed this report about Corporate Premises Health and Safety Management, with answers being provided by the Director of HR & OD, the Head of Property and the Principal Safety Officer.

The Committee were informed of work to date and key actions were highlighted including: the completion of shared use agreements; Core Brief articles reminding staff to include Health and Safety as an agenda item; the use of the RAMIS system; future use of the Learning Centre for training purposes; and updating the corporate Health and Safety Policy.

Members asked a number of questions including: the ultimate responsibility for non-compliance with Health and Safety guidance and legislation; the importance of accurate recording keeping and evidence that checks have been completed; the requirement for legionella testing training; testing schedules and timescales; local Member involvement; the importance of spot checks; ensuring the RAMIS system can highlight those establishments which have not completed the required checks; and the Council’s whistleblowing policy.

Members requested that a letter is sent to all premises managers immediately to request that checks are completed and should be recorded on the RAMIS system. Members further request this letter is copied to all Head Teacher and Chairs of Governors. The Director of HR and OD accepted this as an action, but noted the letter may need to come from the Councils Chief Executive. (Action: Director of HR & OD / Head of Property / Safety Officer)

Members requested that a Health and Safety reminder is included in the next edition of the Governor Services magazine. The Director of HR and OD noted that he would need to link with colleagues in SSE to ensure the completion of this action. (Action: Director of HR & OD / Head of Property / Principal Safety Officer)

Members further requested the following actions be completed:

- The Audit report is highlighted to the Council’s Health and Safety Policy Steering Group.

- A process is put in place for spot checks of establishments to ensure that relevant checks have been completed.

- Officers ensure Governors complete appropriate Health and Safety training.

- Officers should highlight the Council’s whistleblowing policy.

(Action: Director of HR & OD / Head of Property / Principal Safety Officer)

The Committee considered and discussed this report about Corporate Premises Health and Safety Management, with answers being provided by the Director of HR & OD, the Head of Property and the Principal Safety Officer.

The Committee were informed of work to date and key actions were highlighted including: the completion of shared use agreements; Core Brief articles reminding staff to include Health and Safety as an agenda item; the use of the RAMIS system; future use of the Learning Centre for training purposes; and updating the corporate Health and Safety Policy.

Members asked a number of questions including: the ultimate responsibility for non-compliance with Health and Safety guidance and legislation; the importance of accurate recording keeping and evidence that checks have been completed; the requirement for legionella testing training; testing schedules and timescales; local Member involvement; the importance of spot checks; ensuring the RAMIS system can highlight those establishments which have not completed the required checks; and the Council’s whistleblowing policy.

Members requested that a letter is sent to all premises managers immediately to request that checks are completed and should be recorded on the RAMIS system. Members further request this letter is copied to all Head Teacher and Chairs of Governors. The Director of HR and OD accepted this as an action, but noted the letter may need to come from the Councils Chief Executive.

Members requested that a Health and Safety reminder is included in the next edition of the Governor Services magazine. The Director of HR and OD noted that he would need to link with colleagues in SSE to ensure the completion of this action.

Members further discussed the use of a bar code or coloured tagging system to show that checks have been completed;

Members further requested the following actions be completed:

-           The Audit report is highlighted to the Council’s Health and Safety Policy Steering Group.

-           A process is put in place for spot checks of establishments to ensure that relevant checks have been completed.

-           Officers ensure Governors complete appropriate Health and Safety training.

-           Officers should highlight the Council’s whistleblowing policy, with particular reference to H&S concerns.