Update on MPS health and safety performance

Report: 12
Date: 14 March 2008
By: The Director of Human Resources on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

A summary analysis of MetAir accident data comparing two reference periods February 2006 - January 2007 and February 2007 - January 2008 (as at 15 February 2008), and comments on other aspects of Health and Safety.

A. Recommendation

That members note the report.

B. Supporting information

Summary of Injuries Reported on MetAir

1. A summary of the injuries reported on MetAir between February 2006 - January 2007 and February 2007 - January 2008 (as at 15 February 2008) is shown at annex 1. In summary comparing these two reference periods indicates:

• Total accident rate fell by 16.5%;
• Major accident rate increased by 35%;
• Over three day accident rate fell by 13%;
• Slip, trip and fall accident rate increased by 5.5%;
• Moving vehicle accident rate fell by 6%;
• Injuries to police officers following assault rate fell by 8.5%
• Injuries to PCSOs following assault rate increased by 19.5%

2. In addition, January 2008 saw a reduction in the numbers of reports on the MetAir system (591) compared to December 2007 (616). This shows a continued, sustained reduction in accident reports in the last four months, heading back to the levels recorded in the summer of 2007. When compared to the same period in 2006/07 the figures show a significant drop in the number of reported injuries (689). The annual rolling average for 2007/08 is in decline, and is at a lower rate than for the year 2006/07.

Major and over three day injuries

3. A summary of the major injuries reported on MetAir between February 2006 - January 2007 and February 2007 - January 2008 (as at 15 February 2008) is shown at annex 2.

4. There was a significant reduction in the number of major accidents recorded on MetAir from 23 in November 2007 to eight in January 2008, as demonstrated in the table below. As a result, the annual rolling average is showing a sharply falling trend.

Table 1: Major accidents reported on Metair Nov 07 - Jan 08

5. Of the 43 Major accidents recorded on MetAir between Nov 2007 and Jan 2008:

• 40% slipped tripped or fell (inc from height)
• 30% were physically assaulted
• 19% were classified as ‘another kind of accident’
• 2% was as a result of an animal bite
• 5% were as a result of hitting something fixed/stationary
• 5% were as a result of contact with a harmful substance
• 16% were major injuries sustained during training – (analysis is not possible on the type of training which is the causal factor here)
• The main types of injury sustained as a result of a major injury over this three month period are as follows:
  • Fracture wrist or hand – 30%
  • Fractured arm – 11%
  • Fractured ankle – 23%
  • Others accounted for a variety of injuries

6. A summary of the over three day injuries reported on MetAir between February 2006 - January 2007 and February 2007 - January 2008 (as at 15 February 2008) is shown at annex 3.

7. There was an increase in the number of reported over three day injuries from 96 in November 2007 to 102 in January 2008, as demonstrated in the table below, although the annual rolling average for the year is still decreasing.

 Table 2: Number of reported over three day injuries November 2007 to January 2008

• Of the 261 over 3 day injuries recorded:
  • 27% as a result of what is classed as “another kind of accident”
  • 18% from being physically assaulted
  • 23% were as a result of being hit by a moving vehicle
  • 17% were as a result of slips, trips and falls
•  The remainder of 15% had a wide range of causations with no obvious trends.

Physical assaults on police officers and PCSOs

8. A summary of the injuries following assault reported on MetAir between February 2006 - January 2007 and February 2007 - January 2008 (as at 15th February 2008) is shown at annexes 4 and 5.

9. There were 597 assaults recorded on MetAir between November 2007 and January 2008, of which:

• 558 were to police officers
• 39 were to PCSOs

A monthly breakdown is shown in the tables below:

Table 3: Police officer assaults November 2007 - January 2008

Table 4: PCSO assaults November 2007 - January 2008

10. Overall injury following assaults against police officers has decreased sharply following last month’s peak from 208 reported injuries in December 2007 to 187 in January 2008. This mirrors the reduction seen during the same period in 2006/07. The annual rolling average for police officer assaults in still in decline.

11. The number of PCSOs who reported injuries as a result of being assaulted has halved this month from 12 to six reports. This figure is only one above the figure for the same period in 2006/07 despite the fact that there is a significantly higher number of PCSOs employed by the MPS. However, this has not affected the upward trend in the annual rolling average for the year 2006/07 which has been affected by unusually high rates of injury following assault during the summer and autumn periods.

2. The MetAir data is supplied to the Officer Safety Training (OST) Unit, within Central Operations, which is informed of officer injury assault rates on a quarterly basis. Following recent work with the OST Unit:

1. it has been agreed that this data will now be supplied on a monthly basis;
2. SHRMT are working with the OST Unit to further improve:

1. how the format of the MetAir statistics provided to it can be enhanced to facilitate its trend analysis;
2. OST Unit analysis of MetAir and other assault data;
3. OST review of any trends in the type, location, and nature of assault.

This OST Unit work informs which areas of the OST syllabus are emphasised in subsequent rounds of training delivery, and whether the syllabus requires amending or updating.

13. As an example of this, the last trend identified was a sharp increase in the number of bites and spitting assaults. This is now being looked at a national level. The assault data is also being used in conjunction with the pilot ‘Use of Force Reporting System’, currently running in Central area, looking at the type of injuries that are occurring whilst employing different methods of arrest and restraint. The OST Unit training focuses on maintaining officer safety excellence and sharing good practice; a key part of maintaining this approach is the use of the MetAir accident data.

14. As part of the 2008 Officer Safety Training package, CO11 has included an element around searching. The input is supported by a poster awareness campaign – ‘Sharp Shocks’, which will be coordinated by the Safety Advisors in the Safety & Health Risk Management Team (SHRMT). The poster campaign has three simple designs, showing a syringe, razor blade and knife. Each poster has a simple message around training and complacency. The posters are being delivered to BOCUs/ OCUs during February/March 2008.

Slips, trips and falls (including falls from height)

15. A summary of the injuries following slip, trip and falls reported on MetAir between February 2006 - January 2007 and February 2007 - January 2008 (as at 15 February 2008) is shown at annex 6.

16. There were 310 injuries as a result of slips, trips and falls between November 2007 and January 2008. This number is an increase on the same period in 2006/07, as shown in the table below, and as a result, the annual rolling average is increasing slightly. It will be noted from the summary graph that the trends for the two years show striking similarities.

Table 5: Slips, trips and falls November 2007 - January 2008

Hit by a moving vehicle (including injury from RTAs)

17. A summary of the injuries following staff being hit by moving vehicles (including RTAs) reported on MetAir between February 2006 - January 2007 and February 2007 - January 2008 (as at 15 February 2008) is shown at annex 7.

18. There was a reduction of 15 incidences of injury following being hit by a moving vehicle from 60 in November 2007 to 45 in January 2008 compared to a rise in injuries in the same period in 2006/07, as shown in the table below. The rate of injury is now below one per thousand staff. The annual rolling average for this type of accident is decreasing steadily and consistently.

Table 5: Hit by moving vehicle November 2007 - January 2008

19. The figures show a decreasing trend over the year 2007/08 and, in comparison with last years figures of the same period, demonstrate a significant reduction in the number of moving vehicle injuries to below the annual rolling average.

Assurance process

20. A meeting was held between the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee (Lord Harris), MPA Deputy Chief Executive, Director of HR Operations and Head of the SHRMT on 19 February to discuss the future methodology and application of the proposed MPA assurance process. Following this meeting it has been agreed that the assurance process will be implemented by a staged roll-out. The initial roll-out in FY 2008/09 will incorporate one operational and one non-operational business group. Detailed planning for implementation is ongoing.

Contact with the HSE and other enforcing authorities

21. The Principal Dive Inspector from the HSE recently made a visit to the Marine Support Unit to inspect their operations. It is the first time this type of inspection has been carried out in the last eight years. The Inspector reported that he was very impressed overall with the dive team, and made four relatively minor recommendations relating to first aid, participation in annual dive training and the availability of the dive truck.

22. DPS have now completed its investigation into the CO6 officer who shot himself in the leg with his MP5. A report has been sent through to Dr Kirton of the HSE via SHRMT and he has indicated that he is content to close this matter from the HSE perspective.

23. The Deputy Director of DoI, has responded to a letter from the HSE relating to contact from the Federation about the call handling system within MetCall. We await a response from the HSE.

24. The HSE have also closed out their investigation into the allegation of a release and accumulation of hazardous fumes at Harrow Road police station. Air Quality monitoring tests were carried out by SHRMT and Property Services on the diesel tank and generator, all of which have come back negative. This satisfied the HSE that a thorough investigation had been carried out. It does not propose to take any further action in this matter.

25. An officer at Waltham Forest BOCU was diagnosed with legionnaire’s disease in December, which is a notifiable occupational disease under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, and was therefore reported to the HSE. A full investigation has been carried out by Property Services, in conjunction with the local authority. Occupational Health and SHRMT were also in attendance at the Gold group meetings. A water tank feeding showers within the MPS building in which she worked was repeatedly tested for the legionella bacteria and found to be negative. Therefore the MPS building has been discounted as the source of any legionella outbreak. The Health Protection Agency monitors incidences of notifiable diseases to identify clusters and potential sources and does not require MPS to take any further action.

26. The HSE contacted the SHRMT regarding dangerous work practices by a glazing contractor at an MPS premises. The Property Services H&S Team has been leading this investigation. Disciplinary procedures are being taken by the glazing company against two employees and they have been suspended from working. The MPS operates formal control of contractor procedures that include detailed safety rules for contractors/sub-contractors and a disciplinary process. A report has been forwarded to the HSE and it has indicated it is content with the action taken.

27. London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) has indicated its intention to serve two improvement notices on the Commissioner in respect of disused petroleum tanks at Northolt and Croydon. The LFEPA will require the tanks to be made safe within 28 days by either their removal or having them filled with foam. Property Services have the lead for this issue and is liaising with the appropriate personnel at LFEPA.

28. The HSE has been notified of the tragic death of a 91-year-old woman after she had a fall on the steps leading up to Charing Cross station front desk on 6 November. The woman subsequently died in hospital a little over a month later. Property Services carried out a full investigation of the scene and studied CCTV footage, which suggests that she either misjudged the steps or lost her footing causing her to fall and break her leg and hip. The HSE has been notified in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995, but has not followed up the incident. The inquest into her death was held on 20 February and the Coroner found that the fall was a contributory factor. The Coroner also indicated that he would not expect the Metropolitan Police to react to this incident by removing the steps or painting them in a bright fluorescent colour. He felt this was a case of a ‘slip’ accident, with no outside contributory factors.

MPA/MPS Revised Corporate Health and Safety Policy

29. The new MPA/MPS Corporate H&S policy was published by the MPS Policy Unit in January 2008.

Heathrow Aircraft accident

30. The SHRMT recently supported the response to the crash landing of a Boeing 777 at Heathrow, advising on cordons, toxic chemicals, release of particulates and aviation fuel, as well as supporting the safety officer from the Air Accident Investigation Board in his work.

Operational and Safety Assurance Review.

31. The SHRMT is supporting the July Review Group undertake the Operational and Safety Assurance Review. Although this work is essential it represents a significant diversion of resources from the SHRMT at a senior level.

Audit of MPS Health and Safety by the MPA

32. Terms of reference have been drawn up for the audit of health and safety to be conducted by the MPA. It is the intention of the audit team to look at the communication and implementation of health and safety messages across the MPS and will entail visits to (B)OCUs to assess implementation and compliance. The report is likely to be published in April and any significant findings will be reported to the Corporate Governance Committee and Management Board at the earliest available opportunity.

Further Work/Analysis on MetAir Reported Accident Data

33. The following additional work/analysis is ongoing in relation to a range of MetAir reported data:

• Further analysis of assault data to provide corporate learning around the reasons for fluctuations in officer and PCSO assault rates with a view to identifying future actions that can be taken to mitigate the problem. To this end, SHRMT is collaborating with CO11 Officer Safety Training Unit and Strategic Research Unit to design a study to be undertaken looking at the causal factors in officer assaults. Subject to funding availability, this will also include consultant support to extract the relevant information from existing MetAir free text fields.
• The POLCOL Unit in Traffic OCU has been contacted and has provided its statistics for the last quarter, but a method of comparing the trends has not yet been devised. Further work will be done on this, using comparative reference data, to find out if the number of ‘damage-only’ POLCOLs mirrors this trend. The Committee will be updated when this work has been carried out.
• Comparison of MPS notifiable accident trend against the HSE national policing/law enforcement sector. To achieve this work the clean up of MPS data is required to compare data sets. It is hoped that this work will start shortly with contractor support.
• Work is underway with SHRMT and the OST to identify data trends in relation to training accidents. Subject to funding availability, this will include consultant support to extract the relevant information from existing MetAir free text fields.

Consultation with the Federation, Trade Unions and Superintendents Association

34. The main forum for raising strategic or corporate health and safety issues is the MPS Corporate Health and Safety Committee. The Federation, Trades Unions and Superintendents Association are invited to attend this forum and raise any concerns. A summary of the issues raised in this committee in the past year is attached at Appendix 1. In addition, the Safety Advisors and Senior Safety Advisors support local health and safety committees who have relevant staff and police officer representation at a local level. The Head of the SHRMT also holds quarterly meetings with the Federation and Superintendents Association where safety related concerns can be addressed in a more informal environment; these informal meetings are also supported by Property Services Health and Safety. Similar arrangements have been offered to the Trades Unions.

Abbreviations and acronyms:

SHRMT

Safety and Health Risk Management Team

C. Race and equality impact

There are no immediate implications on equality and diversity arising from this report. The team will monitor all health and safety matters, including MetAir statistics, to determine whether there is any disproportionate impact on any particular group, and, where there is, take appropriate action.

D. Financial implications

There are no immediate financial implications from this report. Although there are no direct financial implications the increasing burden of extracting and analysing data to answer specific accident data questions is placing a heavy workload on the MetAir system and analyst. This reinforces the need for greater investment in the MetAir system.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Nick Kettle, Head of Safety and Health Risk Management, MPS

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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