Issue - meetings

This report presents the results of a review undertaken by the Highways Service to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees while they are at work, in relation to the provision and use of PPE.

Resolved:  (i)      That the review, and the decision taken to increase the base level of PPE for Highways staff, be noted.

                   (ii)      That information on PPE and the progress of the review be placed on the council’s website.

Reason:     So that the public are made aware of the PPE standards that apply, and which organisation/s to contact with any concerns.

The Executive Member considered a report which outlined a review undertaken by the Highways Service of the provision and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees whilst they are at work, as requested at the last Decision Session. 

PPE should be used as a last resort, or in combination with other measures, and in conjunction with training.  Some commercial contractors had chosen to standardise PPE for their employees; historically, the council had taken a more flexible approach.  However, it was now intended to adopt a base level of PPE for all tasks within the service.  Further details were set out in paragraphs 10 and 11 and in the appendices to the report.  Consultation was currently ongoing with staff and trades unions to ensure a smooth transition to this new approach.

In response to questions from the Executive Member, officers clarified that:

·        PPE worked in conjunction with other control measures; e.g. changing work patterns and providing water in hot weather;

·        The new standard would apply to all workers on council sites; on other contractors’ sites, their policy would apply;

·        The public could report their concerns in respect of any site to the Health & Safety Executive.

Resolved:  (i)      That the review, and the decision taken to increase the base level of PPE for Highways staff, be noted.

Reason:     To confirm that the council is complying with relevant legislation and working to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees and others working on its sites.

                   (ii)      That information on PPE and the progress of the review be placed on the council’s website.

Reason:     So that the public are made aware of the PPE standards that apply, and who to contact with any concerns.