Page 12 - West Midlands Police Federation: Here for you 2015

Health & Safety continued... ICASS According to the Force ICASS reporting system, there were 827 reported accidents in 2015, compared to 877 in 2014. This shows a 5.7 per cent decrease. There were 612 assaults in 2015, compared to 524 in 2014. This shows a 16.7 per cent increase. There were also 681 near misses reported, compared to 601 in 2014. This shows a 13.3 per cent increase. It is important to remember that even though this is the primary way to report near misses, accidents and assaults, it is not a true record of what occurs. This is due to assaults on police being crimed, but not being duplicated on ICASS and some incidents not being recorded at all. Without accurate input of data, the Force cannot effectively recognise trends and encourage change. We would encourage all to report all near misses, accidents and assaults, to improve the environment in which they work. Claimline If officers find themselves in the unfortunate position of being injured on or off duty, the Police Federation Claimline offers support if they wish to seek compensation for any injury sustained. This is a free service, and if a compensation award is successful officers are given the entire amount. Lawyers claim their costs back from the other party. This is unlike other “no win, no fee” High Street lawyers, as they will usually seek a percentage from any award offered. If an officer is injured, physically or mentally, and wishes to explore this option they can call the PF Claimline on 0800 9171 999. 2016 – Our plan 2016 has the opportunity to be another challenging year. With the named station closures, this leaves some LPUs moving a number of departments into other stations. This, in turn, causes more officers, equipment and vehicles being placed in buildings than ever before. This raises a number of H & S issues, such as appropriate storage for all equipment and kit, adequate welfare facilities, suitable office space, safe access and egress to all buildings and relevant risk and fire assessments. If an officer feels that a building is not adequate they should report those concerns to a supervisor. Following that, they can inform the local Fed rep, so that proportionate representations can be made. We are working with the Force to ensure that any estate changes are planned and performed efficiently, and that all possible risks to officers’ health, safety and welfare are minimised. There are some proposed changes to two items of our PPE, namely CS to PAVA and a replacement baton. As it stands, PAVA is due to roll-out in the next few months, following a procurement delay. The baton replacement is still under review and the Federation will ensure that any new baton will be an improvement on the one we currently carry. The Federation will also be seeking the experience and expertise of a health and safety consultant to complement the training and experience that our health and safety Fed reps already have. We hope this consultant will improve on our negotiations and representations with the Force, to further ensure officer health, safety and welfare is treated with the importance it rightfully warrants. Towards the end of 2016, the Federation will hold elections, which will see a marked change to the way in which it operates and supports you. The way in which the Health and Safety Committee works may also change. However, whatever happens, the service members have been used to, and the support they have been given, will continue. Pete Harkness, Secretary of the Health and Safety Committee 12