Agenda item

This report provides an update on the governance of Health & Safety arrangements and risks at the council, key areas of the work of the council’s Health & Safety Service during 2017/18 and the performance of the new shared service with North Yorkshire County Council.

Resolved:  (i)      That the following be noted:

a)   The fire risk mitigation measures in place;

b)   The key Health & Safety (H&S) risks, and the council’s response to managing and responding to those risks;

c)   The progress made in embedding the H&S shared service.

                   (ii)      That Officers be requested to:

a)   Ensure that future H&S reports contain statistical analysis of the work of the team, identifying performance against targets;

b)   Provide a report on the analysis of any changes required to car parks, following the fire in Liverpool Echo Arena on 2 January;

c)   Keep the City of York Council’s website updated with information on the activities of the Shared Service.

Reason:     To provide assurance to the Executive Member and York residents that H&S services are appropriately managed and resilient and that the council has proper arrangements in place for managing and responding to H&S risks.

The Executive Member considered a report which provided an overview of the performance of the Health & Safety (H&S) shared service formed by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council, and an update on fire mitigation measures in place following the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

In respect of the shared service, the combined team structure was now complete and the service was working with department management teams to develop H&S action plans focusing on key priorities for the next 3 years.  It had also supported the council in responding to H&S incidents and provided advice on risk assessment during maintenance work at council buildings.

With regard to fire safety, progress made since the report to the 2 October 2017 Decision Session (Minute 21 of that session refers) was highlighted in paragraphs 7 to 9.  Fire risk assessments (FRAs) for communal areas of residential blocks had been completed.  Plans were in progress for qualified contractors to carry out follow-up reviews of FRAs up to 3 years old, with a target completion date of March 2018.  Property types most at risk would be prioritised.  The interim report of the independent review of building regulations and fire safety law commissioned after Grenfell had found the current system unfit for purpose in high rise and complex buildings; this indicated that changes to the regulation regime were likely.  Meanwhile, it was essential for the council to continue to work to reduce fire risk, supported by the increased capacity which the shared service provided.

The Executive Member welcomed the work carried out and stressed the need to keep residents informed and involved.  In response to further questions, Officers confirmed that:

·        The proactive management of fire risk had been escalated and expedited rather than changed, with an increased number of inspections, and training for estate managers.

·        Discussions had been held with Thirteen Group on fire risk responsibilities for their properties, including liaising with residents.

·        An update on implementing changes arising from the review of construction regulations (paragraph 16) would be brought to the Decision Session in July.

·        The asbestos review (paragraph 18) had been completed.

·        Departmental action plans (paragraph 20) would be signed off by joint H&S committees and included in the trades union consultation framework.

Resolved:  (i)      That the following be noted:

a)   The fire risk mitigation measures in place;

b)   The key Health & Safety (H&S) risks, and the council’s response to managing and responding to those risks;

c)   The progress made in embedding the H&S shared service.

                   (ii)      That Officers be requested to:

a)   Ensure that future H&S reports contain statistical analysis of the work of the team, identifying performance against targets;

b)   Provide a report on the analysis of any changes required to car parks, following the fire in Liverpool Echo Arena on 2 January;

c)   Keep the City of York Council’s website updated with information on the activities of the Shared Service.

Reason:     To provide assurance to the Executive Member and York residents that H&S services are appropriately managed and resilient and that the council has proper arrangements in place for managing and responding to H&S risks.