Calderdale Council’s commitment to health and safety is being recognised as part of the 2025 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 2025 health and safety report outlines the past year’s challenges and achievements supporting work to make Calderdale a healthier and safer place for both employees of the Council and Calderdale residents.
The past year saw a reduction in public, employee and school accident rates, testament to the proactive programme of work the Council continues to undertake.
Unfortunately, the number of reported incidents of violence and aggression towards staff has increased. This is something which is taken incredibly seriously, and tailored advice is provided within the Council, with an encouragement for staff to escalate and follow standard criminal processes if necessary.
The report also outlines the extensive support and training which is offered to staff and members to support their safety and wellbeing. This includes safety advice, stress management techniques, cost of living advice, menopause awareness training and initiatives to encourage active lifestyles.
Other key activity throughout the year has included actions as part of the current 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:
- Implementation of Martyn’s Law – work has been taking place to ensure that relevant Council buildings are assessed to allow for the successful implementation of Martyn’s Law. Many sensible risk mitigating measures have already been put in place and plans are underway to deliver the Council’s first ‘Protect and Prepare’ conference in early 2026, for both event organisers and local businesses.
- Tree management – Following the appointment of the dedicated Tree Service Manager, and their small team of Tree Inspectors, there have been significant improvements in the management of trees across the borough.
- Bottle digging – This national issue involves people excavating old landfill sites, or natural areas to search for antique bottles. This is a dangerous practice, and unauthorised digging can lead to serious risks to public safety and the environment. The Council is pursuing enforcement action against perpetrators, as well as monitoring and responding reactively to reports of digging locally.
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:
“Keeping people safe is a priority and is part of our culture here at the Council. A wide-ranging and extensive programme of work takes places each year to assess and mitigate risks, protect people and promote mental and physical wellbeing, with strong leadership, training and support.
“The annual report highlights the arrangements that have been implemented to manage health and safety across the borough, as well as how we are responding to local and national issues and preparing for new legislation.
“I’m proud of the ongoing hard work that takes place, and the support which is available to promote everyone’s safety, security and wellbeing. We continue to invest in a robust work programme to keep people in Calderdale as safe as possible.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet meeting will be held on Monday 12 January 2026 at Halifax Town Hall from 4pm. The meeting can also be watched online at calderdale.public-i.tv/core/portal/home(external link)