Agenda item 14 - Health and Safety - Annual performance report

1.0 Purpose of Report
Wiltshire Police
Health and Safety Performance Report 2010 / 2011
The purpose of this annual report is to provide chief officers and senior management and with an overview of
the Force’s health and safety performance, emerging risks and relevant health and safety management issues.
Standards in health and safety performance are achieved through effective Policy development, organisation;
planning and implementation, measuring and reviewing performance.
The Director of Resources is responsible to the Chief Constable for the arrangements for implementing the
Forces’ health and safety policy. Health and safety is discussed at a strategic level through Chief Officer group
meetings and the Force’s corporate risk register also incorporates and details strategic health and safety risks.
2.0 Executive Summary
Wiltshire Police continues to make progress in improving its health and safety performance with a number of
key performance indicators showing improvements over the previous year. Despite this, trend analysis has also
shown a dip in a number of key elements of injury and assault performance for 2010/11, in particular police
officer accidents and assaults.
During 2011, the Force has also undertaken a full Rospa Quality Safety Audit of Wiltshire Police’s health and
safety management system. The results indentified an effective and suitable system is in operation throughout
the force and as with any audit, the report identified strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Key health and safety performance indicators include;
Rospa Audit - health and safety performance rating 79%
8% reduction in police staff accidents.
42% reduction in officer safety training injuries.
14% increase in police officer assaults (resulting in injury).
First increase in the accident frequency rate per 100 police officers for five years.
3.0 Health and Safety Policy
The Force statement of health and safety policy and organisational details are monitored and revised annually
and in accordance with Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The significant amendments
have been brought to the attention of all employees and signed by the Chief Constable and Police Authority
Chief Executive.
4.0 Significant Risks to Employees
Accident data has consistently indicated the following areas of significant occupational risk to police officers and
police staff.
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Police Officers
Prisoner handling injuries
Assaults
Slips, trips and falls
These combined occupational risks
account for approximately 65% of all
reported accidents and injuries to
operational police officers.
Police Staff
Slips, trips and falls
Hit stationery object
Hit by moving object
These combined occupational risks
account for approximately 53% of all
reported accidents and injuries to police
staff.
5.0 Health and Safety Strategy 2008-2013
The Forces health and safety objectives are recorded within the Health and Safety Strategy 2008 - 2013. The
strategy includes: -
Overall health and safety strategy for the five-year period 2008 – 2013.
Annual health and safety objectives with measurable targets in support of the overall health and safety
strategy.
Specific methodologies recorded as to how the annual health and safety objectives would be achieved
The annual health and safety objectives are linked with the overall Human Resources Services Departmental
Plan and performance reports.
Reproduced at Appendix A to this report is a summary of the actual performance made in meeting the annual
health and safety objectives for the financial year 2010/11. It is pleasing to report: -
A total of five key objectives were progressed during the year.
Four of the five (80%) health and safety objectives have been met and significant progress made in
meeting the targets established. Continued improvement is being progressed in these areas.
One of the five (20%) health and safety objectives regarding improving health and safety communication
arrangements has not been fully met and is still currently work in progress.
6.0 Health and Safety Performance 2010/11
6.1 Police Officer Accidents (excluding assaults)
During 2010/11, the total number of recorded accidents to police officers rose by 19% from 110 in 2009/10
with 135 accidents occurring. In relation to increase in the number of recorded accidents to police officers, and
when considering the rate of accidents per 100 police officers, the performance should be viewed against the
previous sustained general downward trend in the rate of work related accidents over the past five years.
Chart 1 – Accident rate per 100 police officers 2005/06 to 2010/11
Year No No officers Accident rate per 100 officers
accidents
2005/06 181 1247 14.51
2006/07 188 1416 13.28
2007/08 133 1377 9.66
2008/09 138 1225 9.80
2009/10 110 1201 9.16
2010/11 135 1115 12.11
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6.2 Special Constable Accidents (excluding assaults)
During 2010/11 the total number of recorded accidents to special constables remained constant as with as
2009/10 performance, with a total of just three accidents. This sustained good performance should be viewed
against a significant increase in special constable establishment figures compared with the previous year.
6.3 Police Staff Accidents (excluding assaults)
During 2010/11 the total number of recorded accidents for police staff continued to decrease by 10% from 60
in 2009/10 to 54 in 2010/11. The 2010/11 performance data supports the downward trend of police staff
injuries over the last three years.
Chart 2 – Accident Figures by Employee Group 2008/09 - 2009/10
Employee Group 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Comment
Police Officers 138 110 135 19% Increase
Special Constables 1 3 3 Constant
Police Staff 91 60 54 10% Decrease
Total 230 173 192
6.4 Police Officer Assaults on Duty
Performance in relation to Police officer assaults on duty (which resulted in injury) has reduced. In 2010/11
there were a total of 78 assaults resulting in injury compared with 67 the previous year. This shows an increase
in police officer assaults by 14%. It should be noted that four of these assaults related to off duty female police
officers placing themselves back on duty due to an unforeseen incidents.
Reproduced below is an analysis of the number of recorded assaults on duty and assault rates per 100 police
officers with regard to the distribution of police officers within each Division and Department.
Chart 3 – Police Officer Assault on Duty Rate by Location 2009/10 - 2010/11
No of
Assaults
on Duty
2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
No of
No of No of
No of No of
police
Assaults police
Assaults police
officers
on Duty officers
on Duty officers
Rate per
100
police
officer
Rate per
100
police
officer
Rate per
100
police
officer
HQ Dept’s 8 436 2.31 1 437 0.23 5 394 1.02
D Division 32 300 10.66 20 286 6.99 23 269 8.55
E Division 46 489 9.40 45 478 9.41 50 452 11.06
Specials 0 152 0.00 1 250 1.2 4 297 1.35
Total 86 Average 5.59 67 Average 4.46 82 Average 5.50
The 2010/11 data shows the assault rate within E division is higher than that of D division. The low assault rate
within Headquarters functions (including protective services) should also be noted.
The Stokes Croft Riots in Bristol on the 21/22 and 29/30 April 2011 (please note this falls outside of the
2010/11 financial year performance) saw mutual aid deployment of approximately 69 Wiltshire officers to Avon
and Somerset Police. During these deployments there were no injuries or assaults sustained by Wiltshire
officers. This should be compared with 45 Avon and Somerset officers who were injured and assaulted during
this same period. Wiltshire officers were deployed alongside Avon and Somerset Officers and exposed to the
same risks.
The anticipated reason for this excellent safety performance is the protective clothing / limb armour provided to
Wiltshire officers, supported by the provision of realistic and effective operational PSU training. The cost benefit
of providing high quality protective clothing is clearly evidenced in this one incident alone, where the force have
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not received lost time days, personal injury claims and other accident costs. Most importantly the safety and
health of our staff has been fully protected.
6.5 Police Staff Assaults on Duty
A total of seven assaults were reported for operational police staff (three E Division and one D Division PCSO’s
and three E Division detention officers). This total remains the same as in the previous year but reflects a
decrease of one assault to a PCSO and an increase of one assault to a detention officer. Despite the continued
increase in the diversification of police staff roles into more traditional operational policing roles, including police
community service officers and other workforce modernisation programmes 2010/11 performance data
supports the generally stable trend of police staff assaults over the last three years.
6.6 Prisoner Handling Injuries
Person handling risks are also a Health and Safety Executive priority action area (Reference Better Backs
Campaign). The incidence of accidents/injuries during the control, restraint, arrest, transportation and handling
of prisoners has decreased by 10% from 96 in 2009/10 to 86 in 2010/11
This performance should be viewed against the general downward trend in prisoner handling incidents which
has been achieved through a combination of preventative measures such as: -
Specific officer safety training measures.
Increased attendance officer safety training programmes.
Provision of officer safety equipment e.g. limb restraints.
Enhanced vehicle design for transportation of prisoners.
Officer and prisoner safety design features within custody units.
16% of all police officer injuries due to assault / prisoner handling incidents occur to the head and neck areas.
This figure is consistent with the previous two years, it is suggested that the head and neck areas are focused
upon as a preventative measure within the following year’s OST training programme.
6.7 Accidents (including assaults) by Location
Reproduced below is an analysis of the number of recorded accidents (including assaults) rates per 100 police
officers and police staff. The data shows a consistent accident rate across the two divisions with headquarters
showing a lower accident rate. This is to be expected due to the high numbers of officer based low risk staff, it
should be noted however that Headquarters also includes Protective services which encompasses some of the
highest risk roles within the force.
Chart 4 – Accident Rates (including assaults) by Division /Department 2008/09 – 2009/2010
No of
accidents
and
assaults
2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
No of Rate per No of No of Rate per No of No of
police 100 accidents police 100 accidents police
officers members and officers members and officers
and staff of staff assaults and staff of staff assaults and staff
Rate per
100
members
of staff
Headquarters 110 1252 8.78 81 1255 6.45 71 1166 6.09
D Division 82 458 17.90 72 443 16.25 85 517 16.44
E Division 136 759 17.92 132 758 17.41 134 878 15.26
Total 328 Average 285 285 Average 13.37 290 Average 12.60
6.8 Operational Training
The Minimising the Risk of Violence report produced by the Home Office supports the concept of “training for
reality” which encourages officers to be trained in circumstances which reflect operational conditions and
therefore increasing officer confidence whilst minimising the risk of harm to themselves and the public in the
operational environment.
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The incidence of operational training accidents has significantly decreased by 46% from 26 in 2009/10 to 15 in
2010/11. Officer safety, public order and firearms training have shown significant improvement with a 50%
reduction in accidents and injuries across each of these areas compared with the previous year.
The high performance rates and low accident rates across all the areas of operational training should also be
noted and commended. During the previous 12 months the health and safety department have worked
extremely closely with these departments to support and continually improve their health and safety
arrangements. The quality of risk assessments and risk management processes within each of these
departments is extremely robust and supports realistic and effective training whilst mitigating risk. Particular
mention should be made to the work undertaken within the Firearms Training department who have made
substantial improvement in the last 12 months and this is reflected in their accident and injury performance
rates.
Chart 5 – Operational Training Accidents 2008/09 – 2010/11
Training Activity 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
Public order / PSU Training 2 4 2
Firearms Training 0 4 2
OST Training (including fitness) 12 16 8
Driver Training 1 1 1
Police Dog Training 2 0 2
Other team building training 2 1 1
Total Op. Training Accidents 19 26 15
Total all Force Accidents 328 285 290
Op Training as % all accidents and assaults. 5.8% 9.2% 5.2%
6.9 Road Traffic Collisions resulting in Injury
The incidence of injuries to police officers sustained during road traffic collisions have decreased by 21% from
14 in 2009/10 to 12 in 2010/11. Police staff road traffic collisions resulting in injury have remained constant
with only one reported incident. Analysis of these statistics did not identify any significant trends as they were a
combination of deliberate and accidental shunts, motorcycle accidents and other similar incidents.
6.10 Accident Severity
A valuable indicator of the severity of accidents sustained by the employees of Wiltshire Police is the percentage
of accidents that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive under the requirements of The Health and
Safety (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence) Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). These
Regulations require the reporting of: -
Deaths and major injuries to employees and members of the public.
All over three day sickness injuries.
All work related diseases.
Specified dangerous occurrences.
In 2010/11, 10.5% of all accidents were reported to the Health and Safety Executive compared with 9.8% in
2009/10. However, most accidents sustained by police officers and staff are minor requiring only first aid
treatment and no time loss to Wiltshire Police.
Chart 6 – Accident Severity 2008/09 – 2010/11
2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
Total No Accidents 328 285 290
No HSE RIDDOR Reports 35 28 30
% HSE RIDDOR
Reports
10.6% 9.8% 10.3%
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6.10 HSE RIDDOR Reports
In 2010/11 there were a total of 30 reports to the Health and Safety Executive under the requirements of the
RIDDOR Regulations 1995. This represents a small increase on the figures of 2009/10.
Chart 7 – HSE RIDDOR Reports 2008/09 – 2010/11
HSE Reports 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
Fatality report 0 1 0
Major injury report 4 5 8
Over 3 day sickness report 31 22 22
Dangerous Occurrences 0 0 0
Disease report 0 0 0
Total 35 28 30
7.0 Accident Costs
In the context of this report, Wiltshire Police accident costs are calculated using Health and Safety Executive
guidance (INDG 355). This guidance uses the sum £2097 per incident resulting in over three day’s
sickness/major injury.
It should be noted that this absence cost is a low estimate, as if the calculation used actual days lost for the
absence costs as opposed to the set figure above, the overall absence costs would be significantly higher. It
should also be noted that these costings do not consider the costs of non RIDDOR (under three day’s absence)
accidents and once again the full costs of accidents within the workplace would be significantly higher.
Force performance in this area has shown significant progress and downward trends in RIDDOR accident costs
over the past five years, which peaked at £157,275 in 2005/06. The 2010/11 total cost of RIDDOR reportable
accidents is calculated £62,910, compared with £58,716 in 2009/10. This is an increase cost of £6,291 on the
previous year. Although relatively minor this is the first increase in costs in five years.
Chart 8 – RIDDOR Reportable Accident costs 2006-2010
Costs 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11
RIDDOR Accidents £157,275 £134,208 £111,141 £73,395 £58,716 £62,910
8.0 Absence Days Lost due to Assauts
The good performance below details that a total of only 28 days were lost to police officers as a result of a
physical assault and that no days were lost due to police staff assaults. This performance supports the Force
sickness absence target with regards to the reduction in lost days.
Chart 9 – Days lost due to Assaults
No of Assaults
on Duty
2009/10 2010/11
No of working
days lost
No of
Assaults on
Duty
No of working
days lost
Police Officer 67 28 days 78 24 days
Police Staff 7 0 days 7 0 days
Totals 74 28 days 85 24 days
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To provide a more accurate picture of this performance, this data should be viewed in conjunction with how
many individual officers have taken sick leave as a result of their assault. For 2010/11 all 24 days were relating
to one officer who was seriously assaulted by a mental health patient whilst in a police vehicle. Therefore only
one police officer and no police staff have taken sickness as a result of an assault.
9.0 Near Miss Reporting
A near miss is defined as “…any unplanned or unforeseen incident, which whilst not resulting in
personal injury or equipment damage clearly had the potential to do so…”
The effective reporting and investigation of near miss incidents to prevent re-occurrence will ultimately prevent
future accidents and major injuries. During 2010/11 a total of 100 near miss incidents were reported compared
with 57 for the previous year. This increase should be looked at as a positive action, with both police officers
and police staff becoming more aware of the importance and procedure for the reporting of near miss incidents.
The near misses were reported form a wide certain of roles and departments within the force and included
custody adverse incidents, faulty equipment, single crewing risks and communication concerns. All reported
near misses are appropriately investigated and have proved essential in preventing future foreseeable
injuries/incidents and plays a key role in the Forces effective risk management system.
10.0 Regulatory Enforcement Action
There have been no Health and Safety Executive enforcement notices served on Wiltshire Police during
2009/10.
Wiltshire Fire Brigade have however served a “Notice of Deficiency” on Chippenham police station as a result of
poor fire safety management. The actions arising from the notice have been resolved.
11.0 HSE Inspections/Audits
There have been no inspections or audits of Wiltshire Police by the Health and Safety Executive during 2010/11
There are currently no plans to undertake proactive health and safety inspections by the Health and Safety
Executive for the next two to three years.
12.0 Convictions
Wiltshire Police have not been convicted of any health and safety offences during 2010/11.
13.0 Proactive Activities
Proactive health and safety monitoring is a key strategy in the effective management of health and safety
within Wiltshire Police and involves the direct interpersonal contact with managers and employees through
regular meetings and inspections to check that safety standards are being implemented, maintained and
management controls remain effective. Detailed below is a summary of the proactive health and safety
monitoring work of the health and safety section during 2010/11
The Health and Safety Department have been proactively involved and contributed in many key policing
operations, projects and inspections during 2010 including (to name a few): -
Operation Dance, Operation Duct, Operation Homecoming, Operation Entourage, Operation Milan,
Operation Mayan, Operation Brunel etc...
Exercise March Hare, planning committee and players.
Health and Safety planning for Solstice and RIAT.
Completion of six level one accident investigations.
Partnership working: First police member of regional IOSH Risk and Health Care Group with regional NHS,
PCT’s and ambulance trusts.
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As per legal requirements, a programme of vibration assessments was undertaken during 2010 within high
risk areas such as motorcycle duties and air support. The assessments were undertaken with Devon and
Cornwall Police as part of health and safety collaborative working.
The Health and Wellbeing action plan, brand and initiatives continue to be embedded into the force.
Review of all Force premises fire safety risk assessments.
Full health and safety audit and inspection of all Force premises.
Chart 10 – Proactive Health and Safety Monitoring Activities 2009/10
Proactive Activity 2009/10 2010/11
No of formal workplace audits / inspections 48 59
No of major incident / police operations meetings 34 41
No of Divisional/Departmental management/safety meetings 50 58
No of training courses delivered 62 41
No of generic risk assessments reviewed 108 73
14.0 Internal Audit
Internal health and safety audit is a key performance indicator for the health and safety department. 100%
compliance against the health and safety department’s performance target was achieved during 2010/11 with
every Wiltshire Police premises receiving a full internal audit and subsequent 6 month review.
Common areas and issues of weaknesses identified in the health and safety management systems include: -
Lack of understanding of personal health and safety responsibilities (line management)
Fire Safety arrangements (housekeeping and alarm testing)
Display screen equipment assessments.
Lack of operational risk assessments being completed in line with all operational orders.
15.0 Regional Collaboration
Since 2007 the Southwest and Wales Regions of the Association of Police Health and Safety Advisers (APHSA)
has been working within the Health and Safety Regional Collaboration Agreement. The agreement sets out a
clear and impactive five year strategy that provides a realistic vision for collaboration in the field of health and
safety that all Forces can sign up to and utilise as a clear focal point for developing consistent approaches to
the individual key issues that will arise in this crucial area of police business. The agreement has been defined
as national best practice by the HSE and ACPO Health, Safety and Welfare Strategic Group.
Key highlights / progression made during 2010/11 include:
South West and Wales Forces volunteered to undertake the national cross force auditing pilot (supported by
Acpo and the NPIA)
o All Forces within SW and Wales region passed QSA Auditor training (October 2010)
o
All Forces within SW and Wales completed full initial self QSA audit of forces health and safety
management system. Internal audit also provided as evidence for moderation purposes. (Jan 2011)
o All Forces within SW and Wales region accredited as fully competent QSA Auditors (April 2011 –
two forces awaiting written confirmation)
o Cross force auditing programme to commence September 2011.
Review of the formal mutual aid agreement (now includes mutual aid assistance for periods of sustained
absence of H&S Advisor as well as major events.)
Benchmarking of HSE Recommendations to identify common areas of strengths, weakness, solutions and
good practice.
16.0 Benchmarking
Since 2003/04 the Southwest and Wales Region of the Association of Police Health and Safety Advisers (APHSA)
has undertaken a benchmarking exercise comparing accident and injury data, with a view to identifying best
practice and reducing accidents. This benchmarking system is now seen by the Health and Safety Executive as
national best practice for police services. Unfortunately the 2010/11 Benchmarking data is still currently being
collated regionally therefore is not included within this report. This data will be interrogated and disseminated
as soon as it becomes available.
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17.0 Conclusion
Wiltshire Police continues to make progress in improving its health and safety performance with a number of
key performance indicators showing improvements over the previous year. Despite this, accident trend analysis
has also shown a dip in a number of key elements of injury and assault performance for 2010/11, in particular
police officer accidents and assaults. Whilst this year’s performance is encouraging as a whole, the increase in
police officer accidents and assaults should be further investigated and common trends and themes identified as
part of the risk management process.
The Vision Wiltshire and operational policing restructure will require a full review and realignment of the force’s
health and safety management system. This review will also provide an opportunity to continually improve and
reinforce the health and safety roles and responsibilities for all staff and management. Senior management and
chief officer continued health and safety support will be key throughout this process.
The Force must continue to adopt sensible and effective risk management principals to manage our risks and
ensure the health and safety of our staff.
Mrs Sarah Somers BSc (Hons), CMIOSH, RSP
Health and Safety Manager
Appendices
Appendix A Health and Safety Objectives 2010/11 – Summary of Results
Appendix B Traditional health and Safety performance measures 2000-2008.
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