2. HSE Update Lisa Skinner HM Inspector of Health and Safety
Executive
HSE Update
Lisa Skinner
HM Inspector of Health and Safety
Public Administration, Education and Volunteers Team

3. Conkers bonkers

4. What does health and safety legislation cover?
risks to staff, pupils and visitors created by work activities carried out by the school.
also applies to the work of contractors in the school

5. Real health and safety risks in schools typically include:
falls from height
slips and trips
on site transport movements
asbestos management
construction and maintenance activities
manual handling
Legionella
Stress

6. Making sensible and proportionate arrangements for Health and Safety
Goldilocks Principle
Not too much
Not too little
Just the right balance

7. Sensible health and safety management
the school leadership team understand the safety policy and apply it practically to the real risks in the school
key staff have clearly established roles and responsibilities

8. Sensible health and safety management
school leaders consult with staff including employee / trade union safety representatives – looking for practical solutions to health and safety issues

9. Risk assessment – noun or verb?
‘Assessment of risk’
‘Risk assessment’
Verb
Thinking process
Research, conclusions, decisions
Record
Noun
Pile of paper
Tick boxes
Sums – consequence x likelihood

10. Employer
responsible for making sure that risks, particularly the risks to staff and pupils, are managed so far as is reasonably practicable.
employer’s health and safety functions are often delegated to members of staff in the school – often the head teacher
overall legal accountability remains the responsibility of the employer.

11. Failing to reach a sensible balance

12. Case Studies Essex school fined after refurbishment disturbs asbestos
Brentwood School fined after worker fell from roof
Devon School caretaker died after falling from 'stage prop' ladder

13. Health and safety myths
Shredded paper banned in lucky dips
School children must wear long sleeves and hats in sun
Parents banned from saying goodbye in playground

15. HSE website links http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm

16. More HSE website links

17. DfE / EFA Information