Calderdale Council’s commitment to health and safety is being recognised as part of the 2024 annual report, which is being presented to the Council’s Cabinet.
Health and safety is at the heart of the wide range of services provided by the Council, and the safety of local people, employees, clients and contractors is taken very seriously.
The 2024 health and safety report outlines the year’s challenges, achievements and a number of recommendations, supporting work to make Calderdale a healthier and safer place for both employees of the Council and Calderdale residents.
The past year saw no significant increases in overall employee and public accident rates, and there has been a reduction in accidents reported at Calderdale schools – testament to the proactive programme of work the Health and Safety team continues to undertake.
Unfortunately, the number of reported incidents of violence and aggression towards staff increased once again. Although this is partly attributable to improved reporting, the issue is closely monitored with teams to identify and mitigate potential risk.
Staff wellbeing is taken very seriously, and the Council’s Workforce Wellbeing Programme has been nationally recognised at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Workforce Awards, winning the award for Best Wellbeing Initiative. Support introduced at the Council has included work around alcohol and drugs testing, stress management, cost of living advice, menopause awareness training and initiatives to encourage active lifestyles.
Work also continues to improve the safety and security of Council buildings, with key reminders about security also distributed to staff. Extensive support and training is offered in relation to the safety of elected members, working with the Calderdale Community Safety Partnership to assess any risk and take appropriate action.
Other key activity throughout the year has included actions as part of the five-year strategy, ‘ACTION 2028’. This is aimed at further improving standards of health, safety and wellbeing throughout the organisation and working towards building an even safer and healthier Calderdale. This includes responding to local and national health and safety issues, including:
- Open water safety – The Council has continued to raise awareness of the dangers of open water. This year work has taken place in collaboration with the Environment Agency and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on proposed improvements at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve.
- Tree management – The Council has continued with its tree inspection programme following concerns raised in previous years regarding deteriorating trees, and those impacted by ash dieback. Investment in the recruitment of designated tree officers to carry out regular inspections has minimised any risk.
- Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) – Extensive investigations have continued, confirming that no RAAC is present in Council maintained schools. Three Council-owned buildings containing the material are being managed with removal and strengthening works.
A robust programme of work takes place each year to ensure continuous improvement and to meet the legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The Council’s Cabinet will consider this year’s report, noting the progress made over the last 12 months.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Silvia Dacre, said:
“We’re committed to keeping our staff and residents as safe as possible and we are proud of the work that takes place to assess and mitigate risks and the extensive support which is in place to protect people and promote mental and physical wellbeing.
“The annual report highlights the arrangements that have been implemented to manage health and safety across Calderdale. It also outlines how the Council has responded to local and national concerns and how we continue to do all we can to reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents and accidents and the potential for harm to both employees and members of the public.
“Despite financial challenges, health and safety continues to be a priority and we’ve continued to invest in a robust work programme to keep people in Calderdale safe.”
The 2024 Annual Health and Safety Report will be reviewed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 13 January 2025. The meeting will take place at Halifax Town Hall and will be live streamed at https://calderdale.public-i.tv/core/portal/home(external link)