Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

It was resolved to adopt the revised Corporate Health and Safety Policy as presented.

The report of the Head of Service (Regulation and Economic Development) incorporating a revised Corporate Health and Safety Policy was presented for the Executive’s consideration and approval.

The Portfolio Member for Planning and Public Protection reported that the Isle of Anglesey County Council has a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees. The policy presented sets out the organisational arrangements and procedures required to ensure that employee health and safety is given due prominence across the Council. The revisions to the policy reflect the changes within the Authority’s Health and Safety Management system and changes to the Authority’s Senior Leadership Team.

The Head of Service (Regulation and Economic Development) said that notwithstanding the revised policy formally sets out the lines of responsibility and accountability for health and safety within the Council, it is important to note that it behoves everyone connected with the Council to take health and safety matters seriously. Subject to the policy being approved, it will be communicated to all staff within the Council to ensure that they are aware they have a personal responsibility for health and safety as well as to make clear the expectations on those staff who have specific responsibilities in relation to health and safety within the Council.

The Executive noted the revised policy. The Executive sought clarification of the feasibility of introducing a generic health and safety policy for all schools. The Head of Service (Regulation and Economic Development) said that whilst the health and safety objectives are common to schools the risk assessment process is different in each case and takes account of the individual school’s organisational arrangements, the school building and associated challenges. The Assistant Chief Executive (Partnership, Community & Service Improvement) confirmed that the Senior Support Manager for Schools has reviewed the corporate health policies and provided guidance for schools and has also created a policy portal which encompasses all aspects of health and safety.

It was resolved to adopt the revised Corporate Health and Safety Policy as presented.