To consider the report relating to the Annual Health, Safety and Welfare Report 2023/24 (CFO/65/24).

Group Manager Craig Whitfield gave a presentation which outlined the performance of the Authority against its Local Performance Indicators (LPIs) for Health and Safety during 2023/24. Group Manager Craig Whitfield highlighted the report's importance in providing assurance of compliance with corporate policies, legal requirements, and health and safety practices.

To provide context it was noted that an analysis of 2023/24 data displayed a significant increase in Fire Service activity, which included community engagement through HFSC’s. In the reporting year, there were also 17,345 operational incidents, supported by 36,240 appliance movements. These figures were significant as they reflected the operational challenges faced in managing life-risks.

Craig Whitfield discussed the workplace data contained in paragraph 9, page 16 of the agenda. Key points included a total of 39 operational staff injuries for 2023/24; a decrease from the previous year. Of these, it was noted that the most common injury type was sprains and strains, with 11 during this time.

It was reported that of those 39, there were 12 injuries recorded at operational incidents, representing a decrease of four compared to the previous year. Among the injured, it was noted that four staff members were unable to continue their duties; however, three of them returned within 12 days, while one remained on long-term sick leave. Craig Whitfield informed Members that the remaining eight staff members continued to fulfil their duties.

The report included injuries occurring during training and it was emphasised that the Authority undertook a significant amount of training compared to other services. In 2023/24, examples of training undertaken included 343 core training courses, 74 off-site station exercises, 45 high rise/hazmat exercises, and the successful delivery of three recruit courses.  It was noted that seven individuals were injured during risk critical training. Two subsequently went off duty and booked sick, and performance was equal to the previous year.

It was highlighted that the report for 2023/24 displayed an increase in injuries among operational staff conducting routine activities, with 20 incidents identified, noted as one less than the predicted target. Notably, 16 of the injured remained on duty, whilst four staff members were off duty, resulting in a total of 21 lost days. Craig Whitfield emphasised the importance of reporting injuries and near misses, as it was crucial for improving safety and operational effectiveness.

Members noted that there was a total of 10 injuries across non-operational staff, which was the same as the year before. Craig Whitfield advised Members that all 10 injured staff had remained on duty.

It was explained that under Health and Safety Executive guidance, the Authority held a responsibility to report Reports of injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) events, which were categorised into two standards: ‘Major’ and ‘Minor’. It was reported that one ‘Major’ RIDDOR event was identified within the reporting period and seven ‘Minor’ incidents were reported, noting a decrease of 50% from the previous year. It was highlighted that these injuries consisted of five sprains/strain injuries, one minor burn/scald and one bruising.

Councillor Sam Gorst left the meeting at 14:51.

Members were advised that within the reporting year 2023/24, there were 66 road traffic collisions involving Authority vehicles. It was noted that this represented a decrease of 13 incidents compared to the previous year and fell six incidents below the initial target.

Members were advised that there were 29 collisions involving fire appliances operating under blue lights. This was noted as a reduction of 17 incidents from the previous year but one incident above the anticipated target. Craig Whitfield drew Members' attention to the trend for speeds below 10 mph, with 75%, falling into this category. It was advised that all collisions were documented, and that the Authority had conducted campaigning and leafleting in heavily congested areas to try and reduce this issue.

Councillor Sam Gorst re-entered the meeting at 14:53.

Members were advised that the total number of appliance collisions whilst engaged in routine activities had increased from 15 to 37, ten above the predicted target but that routine activities involving fire appliances had increased significantly in 2023/24. Additionally, it was noted that this would be a focus for the forthcoming year.

Craig Whitfield highlighted 59% of these incidents occurred at speeds lower than 10 mph. He discussed that 38 staff members had transitioned from LGV to EFAD drivers during the reporting period. Additionally, Members noted no direct correlation had been found between age groups and service duration in relation to collision trends.

It was noted that zero collisions had been reported for Senior Officers Light vehicle response whilst under blue lights. It was highlighted that this reflected the effectiveness of the training provided at the Training and Development Academy (TDA).

Members’ attention was drawn to paragraph 13, page 19 of the agenda, which highlighted observations from the near miss reporting. Craig Whitfield emphasised reports of near misses had risen from 117 to 148 in line with the Authorities work on increasing recording near-misses. This correlated with a reduced likelihood of significant incidents, as identified hazards were being addressed through near miss actions at an early stage.

Craig Whitfield noted that the 2023/24 report included partnerships with the Occupational Health department, which highlighted the Authority’s commitment to employee wellbeing and welfare.  It was highlighted that the Occupational Health team had organised 2,476 medical appointments for Authority staff which included health screenings, early interventions, management referrals, and pre-employment assessments. Members also noted that there had been many referrals for physiotherapy, fitness assessments, nutritionist, and vision checks to promote and encourage staff to return to their role.

During the reporting period, the Health and Safety team documented a total of 99 critical incidents and had facilitated 191 defusing sessions with crews.

Councillor Gorst highlighted the Authority’s performance around welfare and mental health, referencing the 582 medical appointments recorded. He specifically referred to pages 19-20 of the agenda and inquired about the nature of the appointments, seeking clarification on whether they were related to physical or mental health. It was highlighted that a further breakdown would be provided to Councillor Gorst. Craig Whitfield informed Members of the active engagement between Health and Safety and the Occupational Health teams.

Councillor Gorst inquired whether the recent change on the Occupational Health provider had a positive impact on staff and statistics. Ria Groves indicated that there had been positive feedback already received in relation to the new provider.

Councillor Makinson inquired whether the Authority maintained statistics regarding the effect on appliance’s response to incidents caused by illegally parked vehicles and how these figures were considered in the evaluation of compensation claims. Craig Whitfield stated that the Authority did not collect data on illegally parked vehicles; instead, this information would be gathered through investigations on a case-by-case basis.  Ria Groves noted that the majority of motor claims did not involve illegal parking and issues usually arose from narrow roads, which could hinder large fire appliances passing through and lead to incidents. Members were assured that leafleting around parking had been established within areas of concern.

Councillor Makinson asked whether Councillors could refer any concerns within their wards relating to street access for fire appliances to the Authority as well as to request permission for additional leafleting activities. Ria Groves discussed previous initiatives around leafleting as part of prevention activities, whilst noting that an officer would liaise with Councillor Makinson to provide further information in relation to this initiative.

Councillor Page commended the report, underscoring the significance of conducting no-blame debriefings following critical incidents. He inquired as to whether the process emphasised accountability in recognising errors. Craig Whitfield elaborated on the function of Operational Assurance in critical incident debriefings, noting that these sessions were centred on transparency and honesty to foster a secure environment for those discussions.

Councillor Wood praised the presentation and inquired as to whether the incident data accurately reflected road conditions during adverse weather conditions. Craig Whitfield discussed the Authority’s unique data set across Level one and Level two incidents which incorporated the time of day and weather.

Councillor Hanratty inquired if H&S e-learning packages were distributed to staff on an annual basis. Craig Whitfield affirmed that all staff completed a basic Health and Safety module as part of the e-learning programme.

Councillor Hanratty highlighted attacks on firefighters during the bonfire period and inquired as to whether that data could be recorded separately.  Craig Whitfield confirmed that any reports of attacks against firefighters were captured and considered by the Workplace Review Group. Councillor Hanratty addressed issues relating to CCTV onboard fire appliances and inquired if the issues were regular occurrences. Craig Whitfield confirmed that both new and some older appliances were experiencing software problems especially on the older appliances, although it was noted that such occurrences were infrequent. Members were advised that the Authority evaluated its benchmarking data performance into four to five areas, similar to other Metropolitan Fire Rescue Services.

The Chair commended Craig Whitfield for the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation regarding the Authority's benchmarking data, however it was felt that the report didn’t detail enough information around training undertaken by staff.

Craig Whitfield observed that the report did not include a comparison of staff training statistics. However, he highlighted that the Authority had excellent results on firefighter recruitment, training relating to the six key risks, off-site operations, TDA, on station, and cross-border operations.

RESOLVED that the performance related contents of the report and presentation which highlighted the positive progress and safety culture within MFRS be noted.