THURSDAY 3rd MAY 2007 AT 13:00 IN THE ASSESSMENT CENTRE MEETING ROOM, LOTHINGLAND

Present: Tony Buckle (H&S Adviser SPCT), Ron Baker (Risk Officer SMHPT), Paul Taylor, Glyn Reynolds, Ian Talbot, and Annette Petty (Notes)

Apologies: Noel Maher

1. Notes of the last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting held on 8th March 2007 were agreed as a true and accurate record.
Noted and corrected in the notes - Tony Buckle, H&S Adviser, SPCT and Ron Baker, Risk Officer, SMHPT. Paul Taylor did attend the March meeting, and this was corrected in the May notes.


2. Matters arising
a) Clutter Busters – SMHPT
Lothingland completed April.
b) Gas Tumble Dryers – Airey Close, Lothingland - SMHP
Glyn has spoken to the Fire Officer re servicing the tumble dryers – machines to be serviced more regularly than other types on site but it has been deemed unnecessary to introduce carbon monoxide detectors.
c) First Aiders – Rushbrook House – Suffolk PCT
Two have now been appointed.
d) Children’s Services – St Helens House – Suffolk PCT
Tony reported 2 risk assessments have now been carried out and copies sent countywide and selected senior leads will be informed of the situation. It is thought some staff may be suffering with “sick building syndrome” i.e. low ceilings, cramped conditions, unsuitable lighting etc. He suggested maybe a senior staff member should take the lead.
 

3. Update from local Risk Groups – SMHP - Ron Baker
There is now one county wide risk group which meets monthly looking at what is required, how it can be solved, getting to grips with managing risks locally and the responsibilities of the local rep to report any problems. Information is fed to the H&S Committee lead (last meeting 27th April). It is early days at the present but communication links are looking good as support groups are feeding in information from H&S areas of SMHPT to the risk group meetings. It is a requirement to manage risks locally, and failing that requests will be sent to the Trust Council. Favoured responses to date with initial improvement notices sent out from the HSE and a subsequent visit has been arranged for the Deputy Director Health & Safety Executive.
 

4. Heat Proforma Document – Risk Assessment – Excessive Heat – Ron Baker - SMHP
All efforts are involved to increase ventilation and reduce heat. This document is being issued in due course to designated safety assistants. Only in exceptional circumstances should this document be completed. It is important to look at what staff can do to reduce heat problems with top
priorities given to patient welfare, especially the elderly in the first instance.
SMHPT – Suffolk PCT – Trust Contingency Plans – in 2006 the “heatwave proforma plan” showed a level 3 last year which is significantly high. Currently an emergency plan has not been written and the committee commented that a responsible employer should have this in place if extreme temperatures have been predicted for this summer despite no government upper temperature legislation is in place.

5. Trust Vehicle Policy & progress updates – SMHPT
Paul Taylor
Part of the last paragraph has been amended and ready to go out. Paul sending out memo next week on minimum legal requirements for maintenance sheet to be carried out. The next stage will be H&S Group then Trust Council. Paul will be responding to SMHPT Road Safety Policy (copy from Ron).
Action – Paul Taylor

6. Risk Management organisational update – Suffolk PCT
Tony Buckle
John Such was appointed the permanent position of Chief Officer, Provider of Services last week. Rushbrook House new car parking charges introduced in April, levied a £15 per month permit despite fierce and constructive opposition from the unions. Two risk assessments have so far been carried out in the overflow car park which is now being passed to Head of HR for action. Some staff members have already threatened not to park in this car park along Paper Mill Lane which has been condemned as being too dangerous to walk along. The main car park itself will have spaces reduced from 99 to just 66 in October when new flats are completed. However, it is planned to make more spaces available for staff across the river from Rushbrook House with completion due this October, but this ambitious plan is already causing concerns due to drainage and possible structural problems. – For info > The PCT’s new intranet site “PCTURE” was launched 30th April.

7. Workers Memorial Day 28th April 2008
Initially founded in Canada in 1922, it gained recognition throughout Europe by 1998 and subsequently introduced to the UK 1999. Endorsed by the Health & Safety Executive and backed by the TUC, Ian explained the general approach is a day to raise awareness of Health & Safety issues within the workplace and remembering those who have suffered severe injuries or lost their lives each year at work. It would be appropriate to set off the 2008 day by involving Suffolk PCT and SMHPT by helping us to raise awareness of this important day of remembrance. It was agreed that “Trust Matters” (SMHPT) and “Punchlines” (Suffolk PCT) are contacted to request if the branch can include a page in their issue each year and possibly a regular spot for health & safety issues. Annette will contact both and also ask for the PDF version of Trust Matters and report back at the July meeting.
Action – Annette

8. A.O.B
a) Recycling SMHPT/Suffolk PCT
ClutterBusters – surplus to requirement articles or “clutter” was introduced in February and departments were issued with labels for unwanted goods. It was suggested to advertise certain goods on eBay or contact the local authority via the PCT for recycling bins etc. Ron and Tony will be forwarding a copy of the Environment Policy to Ian for information – discussion at July meeting.
b) Risk Meetings – Suffolk PCT
The next meeting has been set for 18th May (maybe postponed) will include East and West areas. Tony to forward dates to Ian for information.
Action – Tony Buckle
c) Carbon Foot printing
Questions were raised on how much Co2 Suffolk PCT and SMHP emits each year which raises questions. Are there any plans for future reductions by the Trusts? If so, what are they and how could these be achieved. It was decided further discussion and information to be submitted for the next meeting in July and to be carried forward to the relevant Trust bodies.

9. Next Meeting
The next meeting takes place on Thursday 12th July, 1pm, Assessment Centre Meeting Room, Lothingland.
Please forward any agenda items to Ian one week prior to meeting for agenda.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 3.30pm

IT/ADP
4th – 30th May 2007

Download the notes:
Acrobat PDF version

IT/ADP