Health and Safety Performance Report

Report: 16
Date: 7 July 2011
By: Director of Resources on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

This report provides an overview of Health & Safety Performance.

A. Recommendation

That Members note the contents of this report.

B. Supporting information

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

1. A comparison of injuries reported on MetAIR between April 2009 - March 2010 and April 2010 - March 2011 is shown at Appendix 1. In summary comparing these two reference periods indicates that the:

• total accident rate fell by 6.2%;
• major accident rate fell by 4.2%;
• over three day accident rate fell by 31.7%;
• injuries to police officers following assault rate decreased by 6.3%;
• injuries to Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) following assault rate increased by 9.5%;
• slip, trip and fall accident rate fell by 12.7%;
• moving vehicle accident rate fell by 12.5%.

2. The following total number of injuries were recorded on MetAIR during January - March 2011 (January 422, February 437 and March 503). These figures are significantly lower than for the corresponding three months of 2010 (January 673, February 496 and March 615).

Major and over three day injuries

3. A summary of major injuries reported on MetAIR between April 2009 - March 2010 and April 2010 - March 2011 is shown at Appendix 2.

4. The period January to March 2011 shows a reduction when compared to the corresponding period January to March 2010 (53 major accidents in 2010 compared to 33 major accidents in 2011).

5. Of the 33 major accidents recorded on MetAIR between January and March 2011:

• 45.4% slipped tripped or fell (inc from height);
• 21.2% were physically assaulted;
• 15.2% were classified as ‘another kind of accident’;
• 12.1% Hit by a moving, flying or falling object
• 6.1% injured while lifting, handling or carrying;

6. Training accidents accounted for 9% of the major injuries during this three month period. These accidents were sustained during Officer Safety training.

7. A summary of the over three day injuries reported on MetAIR between April 2009 - March 2010 and April 2010 - March 2011 is shown at Appendix 3.

8. There was an increase in the number of reported over three day injuries from 20 in January 2011 to 33 in March 2011, as demonstrated in the table below. The annual rolling average for the year is in decline and the figures represent a decrease on the same period last year (January 2010 – 83 injuries; February 2010 - 59 injuries and March - 74 injuries).

• Of the 77 over three day injuries recorded:
  • 23.1% were as a result of slips, trips and falls
  • 21.8% were as a result of being hit by a moving vehicle
  • 19.2% were as a result of what is classed as “another kind of accident”.
  • 16.7% were as a result of physical assaults.
• The remaining of 19.1% had a wide range of causations with no obvious trends.

Injury Following Physical Assaults on Police Officers and PCSOs

9. A summary of the injuries following assault reported on MetAIR between April 2009 - March 2010 and April 2010 - March 2011 is shown at Appendices 4 and 5.

10. There were 411 injuries following assaults recorded on MetAIR between January 2011 and March 2011, of which:

• 377 were to police officers;
• 34 were to PCSOs.

A monthly breakdown for January to March 2011 is shown in the tables below:

11. The total number of injuries following assault on police officers for January to March 2011 (377) shows a decrease of 132 injuries when compared to the same three-month period last year (509). The breakdown of the assaults on police officers for the reporting period January to March 2011 is as follows:

• 1.8% major injuries;
• 3.1% over 3 day injuries;
• 95.1% minor injuries.

12. The number of PCSOs who reported injuries as a result of being assaulted (34) is slightly less than the same period in 2010 (36). The breakdown of the assaults on PCSOs for the reporting period January to March 2011 is as follows:

• 2.9% over 3 days injuries;
• 97.1% minor injuries.

13. Protests in Central London on 26 March 2011

Injuries reported on MetAIR relating to the protests in Central London on the day of the TUC march on 26 March 2011 indicate a total of 54 police officer injuries were sustained. A breakdown by severity is as follows:

• 44 minor injuries;
• 6 over 3 day injuries;
• 4 major injuries.

14. The main causational factors were as follows:

• 19 assaults with injury;
• 23 hit by moving or flying objects;
• 12 a wide variety of causes.

Slips, trips and falls (including falls from height)

15. A summary of the injuries following slip, trip and falls reported on MetAIR between April 2009 - March 2010 and April 2010 - March 2011, is shown at Appendix 6.

16. There were 215 injuries as a result of slips, trips and falls between January and March 2011. This number is lower than the same period in 2010 (353).

17. Of the 215 slips, trips and falls:

• 6.5% were major injuries;
• 8% were over 3 day injuries;
• 85.5% were minor injuries.

Hit by a Moving Vehicle (including injury from Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs)

18. A summary of the injuries following staff being hit by moving vehicles (including RTAs) reported on MetAIR between April 2009 - March 2010 and April 2010 - March 2011, is shown at Appendix 7.

19. There was a slight rise in the number of injuries following being hit by a moving vehicle from 51 in January 2011 to 57 in March 2011. In the same period in 2010 there was also an increase (45 to 46).

20. Of 145 injuries:

• 48 were as a result of RTAs whilst traveling to and from work;
• the remaining 97 injuries were as a result of RTAs during working hours.

People Services

21. The replacement MetAIR system under the THR project was launched on 09 November 2010. As with any new system of this size and complexity, SHRMT have experienced some challenges in relation to software operation but these are being swiftly identified for planned resolution. The basic MetAIR accident recording functionality works, including the generation of RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) reports for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A range of key software upgrades to improve reporting functionality for users was released in April 2011. This released software patch is currently undergoing validation testing.

ACPO Health Safety and Welfare Strategic Group - 02 March 2011

22. The Strategic Manager, Safety and Health Risk Management (SHRM), attended this Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Committee on 02 March 2011. Key issues for discussion included the Lord Young review of Health and Safety including the implementation of the recommendation in relation to the Police and Fire Services. A draft HSE guidance document in response to Lord Young's recommendation with regard to policing is currently under consideration by this ACPO group.

Health and Safety Audits undertaken by SHRMT

23. The Safety & Health Risk Management Team (SHRMT) audited 8 Operational Command Units (OCUs) and Departments, as part of the Complete Health & Safety Evaluation (CHASE) Audit programme during Financial Year (FY) 2010/11. The audit measures performance against 101 performance standard questions arranged to mirror the 5 elements of Health and Safety Guidance (HSG) note (65): policy; organisation; arrangements; monitoring; audit and review. The audit team conduct extensive dip sampling of the local Health & Safety Management systems to ensure compliance with the MPA/MPS Health & Safety Policy. A wide range of line managers, supervisors and non supervisory staff (including both Federation and Staff Association safety representatives) were also interviewed to gauge the effectiveness of the safety management systems implemented by the OCU Senior Management Team (SMT).

24. During FY 2010/11 the scores ranged from 68% to 96% with an average score of 82%. Previous average audit scores are as follows:

• FY 2006/07 - 55%;
• FY 2007/08 - 59%;
• FY 2009/10 - 81%.

25. SHRMT plan to audit 17 OCUs/Departments during FY 2011/12.

26. The significant improvement indicated by the scores for FYs 2009/10 and 2010/11 reflect the positive impact that the MPA/MPS Health and Safety Assurance Process has had on overall health and safety management within the MPS since its introduction in FY 2008/09. The Assurance Process is the subject of a separate paper for this CGC meeting.

27. SHRMT will now look at reviewing both the CHASE and Assurance processes in order to build on the progress made to date.

Summary of Building Related Accidents and Incidents Reported to Property Services

28. Between January 2011 and March 2011 there were two reportable accidents (major and over three day accidents) and 42 minor property related accidents involving MPA/MPS staff reported on MetAIR.

29. Between January 2011 and March 2011 there was one reportable accident and 18 minor reported accidents involving employees of Property Services’ contractors. In the same period Property Services’ contractors reported 70 near miss incidents. The number of Near Miss / Hazardous Situations reported is due to the contractors Changing Attitudes Towards Safety (CATS) reporting system which encourages employees to report any unsafe acts which could have resulted in accidents if the situation had been left uncontrolled. The data is analysed for trends and to determine where further health and safety training/procedures are required.

30. One property accident or incident involving a member of the public has been reported during this period. In January a member of the public slipped on the access steps to Whetstone Police Station resulting in a minor knee injury. No further action was required.

Pan Met Procurement Procedures - Health and Safety Compliance

31. Work on the review of health and safety compliance relating to the MPS procurement processes and procedures continues. The Property Services Head of Compliance will chair a working group meeting scheduled in May 2011 where this matter will be finalised for approval.

Pan Met - Working at Heights (Non Operational)

32. Supporting the main MPS Operational Steering Group (chaired by Commander Broadhurst), the Property Services Head of Compliance is to chair the next Working at Heights Working Group (for non operational activity) in May 2011. The working group continues to review a range of issues to minimise the risk of working at height across the estate with progress being monitored by the MPS Strategic Health and Safety Committee.

Compliance Audits - MPA/ MPS Estate

33. This item is an action highlighted by the Directorate of Resources (DoR) Health and Safety Letter of Assurance. A series of meetings are ongoing with SHRMT and Facilities Management (FM) to further discuss and conclude this item. The Property Services Head of Compliance continues to develop an audit process to enable the confirmation of statutory compliance within each of the MPA/MPS buildings. Preliminary discussion on piloting is continuing and it is planned to commence the revised statutory audit process and procedures over the spring - summer months.

Senior Designated Officer (SDO) and Nominated Officer (NO) Training Process

34. Property Services sponsored training by Turner Townsend (contracted trainer) commenced SDO and NO training in April 2011. Training courses are scheduled to train the majority of appointed SDOs and NOs in this current FY.

MPA/ MPS Control of Contractors Procedures

35. In order to comply with an external independent health & safety audit recommendations the Property Services Compliance Team (PSCT) are leading a steering group to produce and implement a pan MPS Control of Contractors procedure. This document builds on existing Property Services procedures and documentation. Meetings are held regularly, the next one being scheduled for May 2011. A final procedural document for this process will be presented for approval in August 2011.

Police Federation Consultation - Escalation of Issues

36. Senior Federation representatives continue to raise and escalate various building health and safety issues including planned preventative maintenance, design, risk assessment of automated safety barriers and statutory inspections etc. PSCT takes a proactive approach to concerns raised by the Federation and have arranged an ongoing series of monthly meetings with the senior Federation members to discuss and address their concerns. The outcome from the first series of meetings (March & April 2011) has been positive and presentations made by a range of Property Services specialists have been well received. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for May 2011.

Notifications to HSE and Enforcing Authorities

37. The MPA/MPS has been in contact with the HSE/Enforcing Authorities regarding the following specific issues:

• Following the Police Federation raising concern with the HSE regarding MPS non compliance with statutory duty and inadequate management of Facilities Maintenance Services (FMS) contractors, a meeting was held with HSE on the 26th Nov 2010. Following this meeting a range of related issues identified have been subject to a comprehensive review. Areas for improvement and increased efficiency have been identified and these items have either been appropriately addressed or are being progressed. A detailed letter of response was forwarded to HSE by the Head of Compliance on the 26th January 2011. HSE have now formally responded and have indicated that they intend to conduct a review in September 2011.
• Following an HSE Inspection of the Liquid Petroleum Gas bulk storage tanks at Lippitts Hill site the inspector required that the underground supply pipe should be replaced with an upgraded specification. An order has been placed and this project is being progressed as part of the forward works plan and the anticipated programmed start date is September 2011.
• The HSE have inspected the MPS legionella processes and procedures at Stoke Newington, NSY, Amelia Street and Jubilee House. Minor improvements identified by HSE have been addressed. The HSE have advised that they will make arrangements to inspect the legionella procedures at the Lambeth site in due course.

C. Other organisational and community implications

Equality and Diversity 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.

Consideration of MET Forward

2. Although this report has no direct implications for the delivery of Met Forward, ensuring the health and safety of all our staff will impact on our ability to deliver an effective policing service to Londoners. The report outlines the MPS’s health and safety performance and outlines steps to continue to reduce accidents. The process of review will drive service improvement saving resources.

Financial Implications

3. The costs associated with the activities in this report are covered by existing budgets within PSD and across the MPS.

Legal Implications

4. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK. There are also various statutory instruments made under the Act relating to the working environment.

5. The information in this report assists the MPA 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.

Environmental Implications

6. There are no immediate environmental implications from this report.

Risk Implications (including health and safety)

7. At the time of reporting there are no immediate significant health and safety implications arising from this update report. The information in this report assists the MPA 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.

D. Background papers

• Appendix 1-7 - MetAIR accident data

E. Contact details

Report author: Nick Kettle, Strategic Manager 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)

PCSO

Police Community Support Officer

RTA

Road Traffic Accident

SHRM

Safety and Health Risk Management

CHASE

Complete Health and Safety Evaluation

SMT

Senior Management Team

HSE

Health and Safety Executive

SHRMT

Safety and Health Risk Management Team

ACPO

Association of Chief Police Officers

CGC

Corporate Governance Committee

OCU

Operational Command Units

MPS

Metropolitan Police service

MPA

Metropolitan Police Authority

PSCT

Property Services Compliance Team

FY

Financial Year

DoR

Directorate of Resources

CATS

Changing Attitudes Towards Safety

RIDDOR

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995

SDO

Senior Designated Officer

NO

Nominated Officer

FMS

Facilities Maintenance Services

FM

Facilities Management

CDMC

Construction Design Management Coordinator

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