Health and Safety performance report

Report: 4
Date: 15 June 2009
By: Director of Human Resources and Director of Resources on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

1. A comparison of injuries reported on the Metropolitan Police Accident and Incident Reporting System (MetAIR) between April 2007 and March 2008, and April 2008 and March 2009, indicates:

• total accident rate fell by 9%;
• major accident rate fell by 6.4%;
• over three day accident rate fell by 16.9 %;
• slip, trip and fall accident rate fell by 13%;
• moving vehicle accident rate fell by 18.9%;
• injuries to police officers following assault rate fell by 7.4%;
• injuries to PCSOs following assault rate fell by 22%.

2. Accidents and Incidents within Property Services are being monitored. In the 3 months from January 2009 to March 2009, one accident involving an FMS contractor was reported under RIDDOR. No RIDDOR reportable events were reported involving MPA/MPS staff during this time.

3. A number of Health and Safety initiatives are being progressed within Property Services and are ongoing to ensure the MPA/MPS are compliant with Health and Safety at Work legislation. This includes:

• in conjunction with the Home Office Scientific Branch and Central Operations, determining a replacement for halon gas fire extinguishers used for public order duties, awaiting further information from DEFRA concerning exemption cut off dates;
• development of the Senior Designated Officer process/training applicable within each MPA building and provision of statutory/mandatory fire training;
• development of an enhanced authorised access process for high risk areas of the MPS estate;
• ensuring delivery of the MPS/MPA Corporate Health and Safety Policy relating to Letters and Statements of Health and Safety Assurance.

A. Recommendation

That members note the report.

B. Supporting information

General health and safety performance update

Summary of Injuries Reported on the Metropolitan Police Accident and Incident Reporting System (MetAIR)

1. A summary of the injuries reported on the Metropolitan Police Accident and Incident Reporting System (MetAIR) between April 2007 and March 2008, and April 2008 and March 2009, is shown at appendix 1. In summary comparing these two reference periods indicates:

• total accident rate fell by 9%;
• major accident rate fell by 6.4%;
• over three day accident rate fell by 16.9 %;
• slip, trip and fall accident rate fell by 13%;
• moving vehicle accident rate fell by 18.9%;
• injuries to police officers following assault rate fell by 7.4%;
• injuries to PCSOs following assault rate fell by 22%.

2. The total number of injuries reported on MetAIR shows a falling trend. The last three months have seen the following total number of injuries recorded on MetAIR - January 635, February 569 and March 550. These figures are lower than the corresponding three months of 2008 (January 655, February 662 and March 646).

Major and over three day injuries

3. A summary of the major injuries reported on MetAIR between April 2007 and March 2008, and April 2008 and March 2009 is shown at appendix 2.

4. Overall numbers of major accidents continue to fall when comparing the reference periods (April 2007 - March 2008 and April 2008 - March 2009). The period January 2009 to March 2009 shows a marked fall from (33 major accidents) when compared to the corresponding period January 2008 to March 2009 (42 major accidents).

5. Of the 33 major accidents recorded on MetAIR between January and March 2009:

• 52% slipped tripped or fell (inc from height);
• 15% were physically assaulted;
• 12% were classified as ‘another kind of accident’;
• 6% were hit by a moving flying/falling object;
• 6% were injured by an animal;
• 6% were from manual handling;
• 3% hit something fixed or stationary;
• the main types of injury sustained as a result of a major injury over this three month period are as follows:
  • 44% - injuries to the wrists, hands and arms;
  • 28% - injuries to the legs, ankles and feet;
  • 14% - injuries to the face/head;
  • 8% - injuries to the shoulder/collarbone;
  • 6% - injuries to the torso (back/chest);
• training accidents accounted for 18% of the major injuries for this period compared to 22% for the previous reporting period.

6. A summary of the over three day injuries reported on MetAIR between April 2007 and March 2008, and April 2008 and March 2009 is shown at appendix 3.

7. There was a slight increase in the number of reported over three day injuries from 63 in January 2009 to 66 in March 2009, as demonstrated in the table below. The annual rolling average for the year is still decreasing significantly.

• Of the 209 over 3 day injuries recorded:
  • 35% were as a result of what is classed as ‘another kind of accident’;
  • 21% were as a result of being hit by a moving vehicle;
  • 17% were as a result of slips, trips and falls;
  • 11% from being physically assaulted;
• The remainder of 16% had a wide range of causations with no obvious trends.

9. The ‘another kind of accident’ category is an HSE reporting category. It is designed to capture accidents that don’t readily fit into the existing prescriptive reporting of accident categories. As such it tends to be used as a catch all category. Any additional analysis of this category, other than for the major injuries, would result in a reclassification of many reports to other HSE accident categories by the MetAIR analyst. This process would involve a significant amount of resources to undertake. With the roll out of the new MetAIR system in late autumn 2009 as part of the THR process, it is expected that there will be more accurate reporting resulting in a lower number of reports in this category. This accident category will be subject to additional monitoring prior to and post the launch of the new MetAIR system under THR.

Injury Following Physical Assaults on Police Officers and PCSOs

8. A summary of the injuries following assault reported on MetAIR between April 2007 and March 2008, and April 2008 and March 2009 is shown at appendixes 4 and 5.

9. There were 503 injuries following assaults recorded on MetAIR between January 2009 and March 2009, of which:

• 464 were to police officers;
• 39 were to PCSOs.

A monthly breakdown for January - March is shown in the tables below:

10. The total number of injuries following assault for January – March 2009 (464) shows a fall of 114 injuries when compared to the same three-month period last year (581). The breakdown of the assaults on Police Officers for the reporting period January to March 2009 is as follows:

• 1% major injuries;
• 5% over 3 day injuries;
• 94% minor injuries.

11. The number of PCSOs who reported injuries as a result of being assaulted has risen slightly over the 3-month reporting period, giving a total of 39 for the three months. For the same period in 2008 the total figure was also 39. The breakdown of the assaults on PCSOs for the reporting period January to March 2009 is as follows:

• 2% over 3 days injuries;
• 98% minor injuries.

12. The overall yearly figures for injuries following physical assaults show a fall in the rate of assaults on police officers and a sight rising trend in assaults on PCSOs over the year, however, the rate still below the annual rate for the previous year. This will be closely monitored.

Slips, trips and falls (including falls from height)

13. A summary of the injuries following slip, trip and falls reported on MetAIR between April 2007 and March 2008, and April 2008 and March 2009, is shown at appendix 7.

14. There were 297 injuries as a result of slips, trips and falls between January and March 2009. This number is higher than the same period in 2008 (284), and the annual rolling average is showing a slight increase, however, the rate still below the annual rate for the previous year. There were a large number of slip, trip fall accidents recorded in February owing to the snowfall and icy conditions.

15. Of the 297 slip, trips and falls:

• 6% were major injuries;
• 12% were over 3 day injuries;
• 82% were minor injuries.

Hit by a Moving Vehicle (including injury from RTAs)

16. A summary of the injuries following staff being hit by moving vehicles (including RTAs) reported on MetAIR between April 2007 and March 2008, and April 2008 and March 2009, is shown at appendix 8.

17. There was an increase of 17 injuries following being hit by a moving vehicle from 34 in January 2009 to 51 in March 2009. In the same period in 2008 there was also an increase (50 to 63). The annual rolling average for this type of accident is decreasing very slightly.

18. Of the 126 injured staff:

• 36 were as a result of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) whilst travelling to and from work;
• the remaining 90 injuries were as a result of POLCOLs

MPS Assurance Process

19. The Safety and Health Risk Management Team (SHRMT) are currently supporting Assistant Commissioner Central Operations/Director of Resources following dip sampling and verification of (B)OCU and Department assurance letters.

Study of Training Accidents

20. Following the interim study of major training accidents reported to the MPA Corporate Governance Committee in March 2009 a study of all training accidents over the past two years commenced in March 2009 by the appointed contractor for this work Frontline. It is anticipated that this study will report in the summer.

External Independent audit

21. The external independent audit of health and safety being conducted by Turner Townsend is progressing well. Pre-audit briefs, document reviews and interviews with the SHRMT, Occupational Health, Property Services Compliance Team, Trades Unions, Federation and Superintendents Association have all been completed. The audit team is now in the progress of visiting Senior Officers and Directors from both MPS Management Board and MPA including;

• MPA
  • Vice Chair of the MPA;
  • Chief Executive;
  • Treasurer;
  • Chair of the MPS Corporate Governance Committee;
  • H&S Advisor to the MPA Corporate Governance Committee;
  • Policy Officer, Human Resources.
• MPS Management Board
  • Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner;
  • Assistant Commissioner Central Ops;
  • Assistant Commissioner TP;
  • Director of Human Resources;
  • Director of Resources.
• Other MPS Staff
  • Deputy Director Human Resources;
  • Director of Financial Services;
  • Director of Procurement Services;
  • Director of Property Services;
  • Director of Employee Relations, Health and Well Being;
  • Central Operations Strategic Health and Safety Committee Representative;
  • TP Strategic Health and Safety Committee Representative;
  • Central Operations Business Group Training Manager;
  • TP Business Group Training Manager.
• Operational Command Units
  A nominated Central Operations and TP Operational Command Unit (to be agreed with the audit team)

22. The audit programme will be concluded with an audit performance report to the Commissioner and MPA. It is anticipated that a draft report will be available for comment in the summer.

Swine influenza

23. SHRMT and Occupational Health (OH) are working closely with Central Operations (CO) to devise and disseminate guidance on swine influenza. This support has included the development of an influenza question & answer document, guidance for specific policing tasks, risk assessment guide on the use of personal protective equipment. Both the SHRMT and OH continue to support the MPS Pandemic Flu Gold Group and the MPS pandemic flu planning process.

Safety and Health Risk Management Team Contact with the HSE

24. SHRMT is supporting the investigation and Operation Eau Gallie Gold Group (death of PC Toms - CO19 Firearms Unit). The HSE have been informed and are liaising with SHRMT and Gold.

Strategic Health and Safety Committee Terms of Reference

25. A working group has been formed by the MPS Strategic Health and Safety Committee to review the Committee Terms of Reference. This Working Group is supported by the Superintendents Association, Police Federation and Trades Unions. The review will take account of recommendations made by the MPA Internal Audit Team to refresh reporting protocols by Business Groups to this Committee.

Property Services health and safety performance update: Summary of building related accidents and incidents reported to Property Services

26. Between January 2009 and March 2009 there were 36 minor property related accidents involving MPA/MPS staff reported on MetAIR. None of these resulted in lost time or were RIDDOR reportable.

27. Between January and March 2009 there were 22 reported accidents involving employees of Property Services contractors. In addition, one accident resulted in lost time, which was reportable under RIDDOR – A cleaner lost her footing and fell down one step.

28. An investigation has been completed concerning an alleged avian flu incident at Tooting police station. This is now resolved and not associated to avian flu.

Halon replacement:

29. The Home Office Scientific Branch continues to project manage halon replacement for all UK police forces. To date trials have not identified a suitable halon replacement. A further request has been made to DEFRA to confirm the time scale relating to police force exemption and for consideration of using halon until post Olympics. Representation to support maintenance of our exemption has also been made, via our supplier, direct with the technical review committee in Brussels prior to a meeting in May. Feedback awaited.

Senior Designated Officer (SDO) / Fire Training Process:

30. Papers relating to the SDO and mandatory Fire Training processes have successfully been submitted and approved at both the Strategic Health and Safety Committee in January 2009 and the Training Management Board in April 2009. Funding for Fire Training is agreed but future funding for the new training courses for the SDO and Nominated Officer roles needs to be agreed.

Access by Authorised Personnel – to high-risk areas:

31. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure statutory compliance so that only authorised personnel can gain access to restricted areas of the MPS estate e.g. confined spaces, plant rooms, boiler/electrical distribution rooms and roof areas.

32. DoI have confirmed that the Integrated Access Management System (IAMS) within buildings will not be implemented within the above mentioned high-risk areas within the foreseeable future. Alternative arrangements are being evaluated to enable a controlled access system to be installed in the short term.

Letters of Assurance:

33. As a requirement of the Corporate Health and Safety Policy signed by the Commissioner, a statement of assurance has been prepared and signed off by the Director of Property Services and the Directors within Directorate of Resources Business Group. The statements are in the process of being submitted to the Director of Resources who will sign a letter of assurance to the Commissioner as part of the Management Board process prior to the Commissioner sending a letter of assurance to the MPA. The target date for completion is end of June 2009.

MPA Internal Audit: Review of health and safety legislation implementation

34. The final MPA report was issued on 7 January 2009 and the Strategic Health and Safety Committee have taken responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the report recommendations. In total there are 20 recommendations to be implemented throughout the Service. Two of which are high risk, consisting of MetAIR Accident Reporting System and confirmation of risk assessment completion to the MPS Strategic Health and Safety Committee. The remaining 18 recommendations are medium risk. The next Strategic Health and Safety Committee meeting in June 2009 will monitor progress and ensure recommendations are on target for completion.

Notifications to HSE and enforcing authorities

35. The MPA/MPS has been in contact with the HSE and London Fire Brigade regarding the following specific incidents:

• Lewisham, HSE notified of raised aluminium content within the water supply of certain areas of the site. Thames Water advised that the raised levels do not pose a risk to personal health. Ongoing monitoring has identified aluminium levels are within acceptable limits. No further action from HSE.
• HSE have visited the cooling tower at Stoke Newington police station and examined the maintenance and control measures relating to legionella. To date all measures were found to be of an acceptable standard and further HSE visits will take place on an ongoing basis.
• London Fire Brigade non-compliance notice at Bethnal Green police station has successfully been complied with – no further action required.

Chingford Police Station

36. A serious incident occurred at this location when a contractor responding to an electrical failure at the building removed a protective interlock from the main electrical supply panel and re-energised the system with potentially serious health and safety consequences. Property Services continue to investigate this matter and will ensure that the FMS contractor concerned implements the necessary action to prevent a reoccurrence.

NSY – Fire evacuation – CO6 security officers

37. The Unite senior union representatives threatened to immediately withdraw the services of 64 CO6 security officers unless urgent action was taken to resolve their concerns and provide assurances regarding their personal safety in the event of a fire occurring within NSY.

38. CO6 management and Property Services have provided the necessary assurances and formal bespoke CO6 fire evacuation training sessions have been provided for the personnel at NSY w/c 11 May 09.

39. Further discussions and dialog are planned with the union to ensure all health and safety concerns are adequately resolved.

C. Race and equality impact

1. 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

1. To date trails for halon replacement have indicated that there will be additional costs and changes to operational procedures. The exact costs are unknown at this time.

2. The cost implications for the provision of the approved mandatory training for SDOs and Nominated Persons are currently being assessed. Once determined consideration will be given on how best to accommodate these costs within the overall resources available to the service.

3. A reserve of £200k has been set up for the installation of an access control system to high-risk areas within the MPS estate. This reserve is part of the £800k “Property - Statutory Energy Performance” which was approved as part of the 2007/08 year-end reserve process.

Following confirmation that this cannot quickly be incorporated in the DOI ‘IAMS’ project, the original bespoke alternative will be progressed from this fund.

E. Legal implications

The information in this report assists the Authority in the performance of its duties under Health and Safety legislation and of its strategic oversight role as set out in the joint MPA/MPS Corporate Health and Safety Policy.

F. Background papers

None

G. Contact details

Report author: Nick Kettle, Head of Safety and Health Risk Management and Peter Brown, Assistant Director – Head of Compliance, Property Services

For information contact:

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

Abbreviations, acronyms and definitions

MetAIR

Metropolitan Police Accident and Incident Reporting System (The MetAIR system provides a means for reporting and collecting MPS accident data including that required to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive)

HSE

Health and Safety Executive

SHRMT

Safety and Health Risk Management Team

APHSA

Association of Police Health and Safety Advisors

DVI

Disaster Victim Identification

DEFRA

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

FMS

Facilities Management Services Contractors

HSE

Health and Safety Executive

IAMS

Integrated Access Management System

CO

Central Operations

RIDDOR

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995

SDO

Senior Designated Officer

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