Health and Safety Executive

Noted (AI summary) ENA has asked each DNO and TNO member company to check that emergency services have contact details and know how to respond to incidents; ENA will open dialogue with the HSE to see whether it can support them to further enhance awareness and will review and update its safety leaflet - Safety advice for the Emergency Services. NHS Digital explains the function and governance of NHS Pathways, noting that standard operating procedures and contact numbers are the remit of local service providers and do not fall under NHS Pathways' responsibility. AACE shared South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust's updated SOPs, including a map and contact details for electricity Distribution Network Operators, across all NHS ambulance services. They are also discussing the matter with all Heads of Emergency Operations Centres. HSE shared concerns with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW), the Association of Police Health and Safety Advisors (APHSA), the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and the National Fire Chiefs Council Health and Safety Committee, and the Energy Networks Association (ENA), who have requested that DNOs and TNOs check their arrangements with the emergency services on an annual basis; the ENA is currently reviewing their information leaflet on Safety Advice for the Emergency Services.

Noted (AI summary) Wolverhampton City Council conducted an unannounced monitoring visit to Hibiscus House, suspended the service from new business, and implemented an improvement plan with the provider, including staff training reviews and relocation of one service user; they are also working with the CQC. Following a CQC inspection Hibiscus drew up an action plan for the three areas of improvement which were identified by the CQC. Plans to upgrade systems which held vital information are under way. The CQC details its role as regulator and its inspection processes. It acknowledges concerns around the safety of people’s care at Hibiscus DCA following a September 2022 inspection and that it is following internal enforcement processes.

Noted (AI summary) HSE acknowledges the concerns and highlights existing guidance and enforcement approaches related to vehicle loading and workplace safety, particularly regarding bales. They will consider improvements to guidance INDG125 during its next periodic review. The DVSA will update the 'Load Securing - Vehicle Operators Guidance' in collaboration with HSE, focusing on generic safe loading principles rather than specific bale/trailer combinations. The DfT Code of Practice, 'Safety Loads on Vehicles' (2002) will be amended to cross-reference the updated guidance.

Noted (AI summary) The HSE raised the concerns regarding medical provision at events with representatives from the entertainment industry and will send the concerns and their letter to relevant Local Authority bodies.

Noted (AI summary) The UK Diving Medical Committee (UKDMC) discussed the coroner's points but sees no reason to change the current system of self-certification for divers, where the onus is on the diver to provide corroborative medical information if asked.

Noted (AI summary) The HSE clarifies the meaning of 'secure' in the WISH WASTE 25 guidance, stating that it requires a risk assessment to determine appropriate measures to prevent bin access, but does not mandate a specific type of lock. They emphasize liaison between waste producers and collectors. The ESA has been raising awareness of the dangers of people in waste containers since 2009 through various means, including the press, a cross-sector steering group, a safety week, a safety alert to members, and contribution to the WISH Waste 25 guidance. CIWM has produced imagery promoting the use of WASTE25 guidance and encourages waste producers and waste collectors to check the bins while filling and unloading, which has been shared on social media. CIWM will aim to write an article for the CIWM journal / website to promote the ‘People in Bins’ Steering Group and call for volunteer waste collection companies to get involved by providing data to mirror the 2014 report by February 2019. The LGA will include an item on the risk of death and injury in large bins in relevant LGA bulletins and updates to councils to raise awareness at a national level.

Noted (AI summary) The Department acknowledges the concerns but states that the issue falls under the remit of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Kendal Calling appointed Ground Control, an event production company, as their Health and Safety advisor after the incident. The HSE will raise awareness of the incident with industry stakeholders, emphasizing adherence to event safety guidance regarding overhead power lines.

Noted (AI summary) The RNLI recommends that landowners are responsible of implementing a range of appropriate control measures at beaches, and states that it can only establish new lifeguard units with the express permission of the relevant local authority, landowner, beach owner or operator. The council acknowledges the concerns and refers to previous reports and statements regarding beach management at Camber Sands, and states that restricting public use of beaches would be disproportionate. The Forum intends to update and expand the use of the WAID database and is seeking to identify suitable sources of funding for this development work. RoSPA states that it seeks to influence, inform, coordinate activity and advise within the existing structures for water safety, and states that significant landowners successfully manage sites with significant hazards to the public without noticeable impacts or blanket restrictions. The MCA has recently started working closely with the RNLI on coastal risk management, including a programme of visits to landowners to discuss and advise on local risks and the potential for raising public awareness through targeted safety interventions, and will conduct an independent review of its accident prevention activity.