Health and Safety Executive An Inspector Calls Ian Copland HSE, Public Services Sector

Contents The protocol HSE dealings with the FRS Inspections / Investigations Accident trends Areas to focus on

Inspection Protocol - Sets out general arrangements for HSE inspections of FRS. Aim – to clarify the relationship between HSE and FRS employers etc. Long time coming. Currently out for signature Outlines what HSE inspectors do anyway Reference to protocol throughout

Protocol – key areas Sets out responsibilities of FRA’s Considers HSWA in operational context Outlines what we expect of FRS Outlines HSE’s inspection/investigation Outlines enforcement, liaison, resolution of disagreements and monitoring procedures Annex –HSE liaison with other bodies.

HSE - National dealings with FRS Public Services Sector (GDS / DFP Unit) ‘Operational policy lead’ Advise / liaise with HSE inspectors on FRS matters Engage with key stakeholders

Public Services Sector (fire lead) Key FRS Stakeholders - Chief Fire & Rescue advisors unit - Practitioners Forum - FRS National H&S group - CFOA H&S group - CLG - Audit Commission - Local Government Association

HSE Inspectors Local links – attend meetings Advice on the application of HSW Investigations – Complaints - Accidents Carry out inspections

Planned inspections – national issues Local inspections – in response to locally identified issues (KIT) HSG 65

Investigations - general (accidents/incidents/complaints) Riddor reportable – not all investigated Contact with FRS – Mgt and Unions Non fatal – interviews etc Complaint – letter / interview Fatal – police & manslaughter

Investigations – protocol (HSE) Look at the circumstances of every case Take account of the context of any individual actions taken Look at what steps taken to deal with the hazard Consider if underlying causes

Application of HSW in the FRS What we expect – - suitable and sufficient risk assessments - standard operating procedures - appropriate training - appropriate equipment - adequate supervision (command & control)

Riddor incidents 2006

Accident Statistics - national Fatals MSD, stf, stress Mainly over 3 day Compare with other industries Difficulties with stats / incident rates/ Family groups

MSD, STF, Stress (national) MSD – mainly backs - handling in kitchens! - half MSD non operational? STF – wet bays, trips on equipment, in / out vehicles & sport. - over half not on incident ground? Stress - Seems to be present. No accurate figures. - Rate of change in FRS.

Operational v non operational (major)

Operational v non operational (over 3 day)

HSE work with the FRS (national) Sickness Absence Management MSD, STF, Stress Application of HSW to operations Training / OP8 etc

Sickness absence management project Joint research CLG / HSE Aim – explore current policy & practice in the management of sickness absence in a sample of FRS (England) Promulgate the notable practice Reports in November 2007

Key areas for you to focus on Sickness absence management MSD Slips and trips Stress Workplace Transport Adequate training

Sensible health and safety sensibly applied! Bonkers conkers Trapeze artists Fire drops Smoke alarms and step ladders

Summary FRS is professional Work in an operational environment Key areas – SAM, MSD, STF,stress & training for operations. Sensible health and safety sensibly applied