Service Personnel related deaths

Action Taken (AI summary) The Ministry of Defence has reviewed and aligned figures in the Divers Policy (JSP286) and the maintenance Policy (BR2807), stipulating the minimum abort pressure as 50 Bar, and updated the figures prescribed for tolerances to the minimum pressure to start a dive.

Action Taken (AI summary) The Ministry of Defence outlines mental health support strategies including the Defence People Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The Royal Navy, Army and RAF have implemented various initiatives, such as mental fitness training and wellbeing programmes, to improve mental health literacy and support.

Action Taken (AI summary) The Ministry of Defence has amended its Sharkwatch policy to include written orders for the nominated sober individual, requiring them to keep the group together, ensure safe return, and report deviations, with signed orders retained by the commander; also Part 1 Orders are issued daily containing repeats of all aspects of the Force Protection policy, including alcohol restrictions and actions for duty personnel.

Action Taken (AI summary) The Ministry of Defence outlines changes made to the Army recruitment process, including revised medical screening for Sickle Cell Trait, updated risk management processes for physical training, and clarified roles and responsibilities for training staff. They also removed previous versions of AGAI Vol 1 Ch 7 from use and circulation. The Ministry of Defence reports on actions taken, including improvements to sickle cell trait screening, mandating training for staff on exertional collapse, and implementing a joint clinical policy for exertional collapse. They also ensure Defence Medic training incorporates exertional collapse scenarios.

Action Taken (AI summary) The Ministry of Defence has taken corrective action following concerns raised regarding the death of Corporal Joshua Hoole, including improved awareness of Joint Service Publication 539, updating the User Guide video for WBGT monitors, and providing refresher training for staff delivering Physical Training, whilst robust plans are in place to deliver remaining requirements.

Action Taken (AI summary) The CAA now requires calendar periods for engine overhaul for low-utilisation aircraft, reinforced the replacement lifespan of the YAK-52 engine with a new MPD, and will revise Safety Notice 2018/005 to emphasize calendar lives for safety harnesses and provide guidance on harness assessments; however, the CAA concluded it would not be appropriate to request the manufacturer to specify a rate for the Fuel Primer Pump, but will include its use in emergencies for discussion at the next CAA led YAK & Nanchang ‘Continuing Airworthiness Forum’.

Action Taken (AI summary) Following the accident, a ban on all 120mm training ammunition natures was ordered and an Extraordinary Safety and Environmental Management Panel (SEMP) was convened. Three systemic issues relating to safety have been identified across DE&S and will be resolved. Following the incident in June 2017 the MoD and BAE Systems are developing a design solution to eliminate the risk of this happening again and to bring the current Challenger 2 gun up to date with the Standard. Progress on four solutions will be reviewed by the MoD Challenger 2 Safety and Environmental Management Panel in October 2018.

Action Taken (AI summary) The Ministry of Defence improved the training package for DROPS operators qualified to tow the KINGS trailer, supported by a video detailing coupling and uncoupling procedures. The Army will include clearer guidance for operation of the Shunt Valve in the AESP, and amend the Trainer instructor Specifications (ISpec).

Action Taken (AI summary) Sapper Gibson's unit now holds keys to all buildings and rooms in the guardroom. The MOD is updating its Health and Safety risk assessment guidance to ensure site risk assessments consider rapid access to locked rooms, and procedures are tested regularly; the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Defence Equipment and Support and Joint Forces Command have all directed that master or spare keys to all rooms will be held centrally in the guardroom (or similar where there is no guardroom).

Action Taken (AI summary) The Ministry of Defence has amended the Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) Fire Diary, updated the Fire NCO course, and is reviewing the DFRMO Fire Risk Assessment template to emphasize recording sleeping arrangements. A Defence Instruction or Notice (DIN) has also been published covering these issues.

Action Taken (AI summary) • The Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) Fire Diary has been amended to clarify that a competent fire risk assessor must be consulted before changes take place or if the fire risk assessment is no longer valid. • The Fire Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) course content has been amended to allocate more time and emphasis on the fire risks associated with electrical overloading. • The DFRMO Fire Risk Assessment template has been updated to further emphasize the need to record if any sleeping is place on the premises regardless of its primary purpose.