Page 9 - Here For You: Our Work in 2014

Health & Safety Your Health and Safety committee is comprised of reps from most of the LPU’S & departments that make up our Force. They are supported by the Chairman, Jason Sayers (L&D) and the Secretary, Pete Harkness (Wolverhampton.) The committee meets once a month at Guardians House, where a host of issues and topics are discussed. Most of the discussions come from the ICASS reports that you generate, which inform the Force of any near misses, accidents or assaults. These are invaluable as they provide key evidence in highlighting any health & safety issues that need addressing. The committee will ensure that these incidents are investigated, and that any reasonable adjustments are made to prevent any re-occurrences. The committee members also sit on the following Force committees; Force Health & Safety, Force Health & Safety consultation group, uniform & equipment group and the vehicle user group. They will also attend local health & safety meetings and attend walkthroughs of all Police buildings. Where a member has been injured as a result of a workplace or off duty incident, extra support is offered through PF Claimline. This service allows a member to speak to a lawyer and be able to decide whether or not to seek compensation. Last year the Claimline received over 200 calls from WMPF members injured on or off duty, or from a member of their family who had suffered personal injuries. During 2014 our Solicitors Slater & Gordon achieved some significant awards either through negotiation or at trial for our members. These included an officer medically retired as a result of an undercover operation recovering a 6 figure award; an off duty member awarded a substantial sum after an accident in a restaurant; and the family of a retired firearms officer exposed during training to asbestos at a shooting range under the control of West Midlands Police in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Adam Wilson, a partner at Slater & Gordon commented; “The frequency with which we are requested to advise and act for West Midlands officers, demonstrates very starkly how your members are exposed to danger in their jobs, and how the Federation’s all-encompassing legal support scheme ensures that whatever happens we can act for them at no cost to ensure they get the best possible result”. Our lawyers have a close working relationship with us and are aware of many of the complex issues that can confront police officers injured both on and off duty. In particular for those medically retired, a comprehensive understanding of pension regulations and entitlements maximises the value of a claim. We encourage members to continue to use the Claimline for advice following injury both for them and their family members who also receive the same benefits under the Federation no win no fee scheme. Your committee seek to represent you in any way we can. If in doubt, just ask! This is what we’ve done in 2014: • Provided evidence on the new issue stab vests • Worked with the force on a new and improved driver fatigue policy • Supported the force with the introduction of Pava (CS replacement) in 2015 • Supplied evidence to the Force on the deployment and limitations of the siren less vehicles • Placed H&S representatives on the ground at EDL demonstrations, working alongside Force H&S advisors • Provided feedback and amendments to a number of force risk assessments • Provided suggestions and guidance on how to make the workplace safer through station and department walkthroughs Our aspirations for 2015: • To further improve on our support and guidance to our members in all aspects of health & safety • To provide support and guidance on the future deployment of Pava and the new baton replacement • To find a suitable and proportionate solution to the reported issues surrounding the new stab best • To ensure any future changes to our model of policing does not put our members Health and Safety at risk. 9 47905 WMPF Annual Report 2014.indd 9 30/04/2015 12:06