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Health and safety at work is something that does not normally set Chief Executives' pulses racing, but has been in the news recently. Just this week my in-tray included a letter from the Health and Safety Executive seeking support from local authorities in the approach to ‘sensible risk management' when considering arrangements for Remembrance Sunday. Stories have emerged about the actions of local authorities either not fulfilling their ‘stakeholder duties' to the public or staff or over-enforcing and so stopping the British way of life. Although these stories are often wide of the mark in terms of facts, it is no doubt that the reputation of local authorities and their staff have been adversely affected. As if to emphasise the need to manage health and safety risks, the passing of the recent corporate manslaughter legislation is designed to make senior managers ensure they have paid due regard to activities under their control. However legislation can only set minimum requirements. There are other considerations. Ensuring activities at work do not make staff ill, will help to reduce sick leave as well as helping improve morale. For those more financially driven, this helps to achieve efficiency targets! For those more outcome focused, excellence in health and safety management and enforcement will help to achieve health outcomes expounded in many local area agreements. Recent national initiatives include signing up to the principles of Sensible Risk Management the production of updated guidance from the Institute of Directors/Health and Safety Commission on Director Responsibilities. While health and safety is not seen as a wicked issue it has to be something that is effectively managed. Most good practice is common sense, both in terms of enforcement and the way we manage local authority activities. It is also something many councils excel in, and that is something we can be proud of, and must promote more. This will help counter the excesses of some media reporting. Sign up to HSE's Sensible risk campaign at www.hse.gov.uk/risk/signup.htm The new guidance on leadership for Directors and Board members can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/leadership Paul Lankester is chief executive of Stratford on Avon DC

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WHITEHALL

Health & safety – not that again!

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