The project was to set up a H+S risk-assessment training forum as a mechanism to target workplace risks in SME sector. This was in response to identification of a gap in LA service provision to SMEs in Leeds.
The aims of the project were to: open up other sources of information and routes to self-help for SMEs; bring an awareness of the costs of accidents and Occ Ill-Health to SME business and the UK as a whole; Facilitate improvements in the H+S and well-being of employees at work by encouraging a more positive safety culture within SMEs.
Stakeholders included: multi-agency steering group; Leeds Health Action Zone (Haz); depts Health Promotion Team; liaison with other authorities; Leeds Chamber of Commerce and Business Link.
The section obtained funding and initiated a project comprising of the planning, preparation and delivery or a risk-assessment training forum, with follow up support where required. Comprised of 7 training sessions, the material of which has now been incorporated into a free CD-ROM that can be used as stand-alone training package. This material has been successfully adapted to target hazard and sector specific businesses (such as priority hazards in a warehouse environment). Efforts now being made to adapt and launch training package on the Internet for ease of use.
[Recommendation: Glossy, well presented and concise information to key sector identified as needing targeting. Good involvement of stakeholders. Targeted key area. Delivered in a number of innovative ways. CD-ROM/Internet launch demonstrates 'E-Govt' approach]
The project targeted the reduction of occupational ill health. It was recognised the extent to which OH is a problem and that it needed to be tackled in a structured manner from all directions.
To initiate and/or increase awareness of the need to tackle occupational ill health and rehabilitation locally and to form active working partnerships with other bodies in the area.
Stakeholders included: Local Authority, HSE, Bradford and Airedale Hospitals NHS Trust, Primary Care Trusts, trade unions, voluntary sector members, National Hazards Campaign, Business Link, Job Centre Plus, Yorkshire Forward, Bradford Vision.
The Bradford Area OH+S Forum employed a consultant to work with its members and examine how it might produce a local occupational health and safety strategy in response to the HSC's Securing Health Together strategy. A Consultation Document was produced and circulated to organisations who then attended a conference in Bradford (speakers included Bill Callaghan).
[Recommendation: Proactive response to issue of OH, pre-empting HSC's new Strategic focus on OH. Good stakeholder involvement. Good entry, shortlist option].
The project targeted the Priority Programme of Stress. This issue had been targeted as part of a multi-agency approach across Hampshire and IOW since late 1990s.
The aims were to provide: An inspectorate better informed of the issues around mental well-being/stress; An inspectorate more confident in discussing mental well-being/stress with employers, employees and their representatives; An inspectorate who could discuss the legal implications of stress and take appropriate action with stakeholders; A common and consistent approach to mental-health/stress issues in the workplace and hence and inspectorate empowered to deliver the stress element of the HELA Strategy.
Stakeholders included: All 14 LAs in Hampshire/IOW, the CIEH Branch H+S Advisory Group and HELA Sub-group, HSE Health Directorate (now PG), Hants and IOW CEHO Group, North and Mid Hants Health Authority Promotion Service (now North Hants PCT), Health Improvement/education teams, Portsmouth health Authority Promotion Service (now Portsmouth PCT), Local business community.
A training course was developed (CPD accredited) for LA officers. As an outcome of this course, a draft Stress Assessment Tool was developed (based on Cranfield Resource Pack) and piloted in 4 LAs. This Tool was finalised in the light of HSG 218 and piloted again by 5 LAs, it was launched as part of Euro Week in 2003.
[Recommendation: Innovative approach in developing own enforcement tool and training courses to meet specific key need, before HSE guidance was published on this area. Shortlist entry]
The programme targeted Occupational Health issues in Call Centres, specifically MSDs and Stress. These were focused upon as they were identified as a sector that required a new informed approach to improving the health of staff following complaints from TUs, reports of high absence levels and adverse publicity in the media.
The aims of the project was to raise awareness of he H+S issues affecting call centres in both public and private sectors and to promote partnerships with and within member organisations.
Stakeholders included: TUs, Employers organisations, call centre operators, service providers to the sector, Institute of Work Psychology, HSE, EMAS, Liverpool City Council Occupational Health Department, Health and Safety Consultants and other Merseyside Local Authorities via the Merseyside Chief Officers Health and Safety Sub-Group.
The Merseyside Call Centre Partnership (MCCP) was formed and secured DTI funding from the 'partnership at work' fund. An experienced project leader was employed to take the work forwards. 5 Working groups were set up (comprising to consider broad topics, these groups produced examples of good practice, examples of implementations, and guidance material. In addition the Project Leader and other partners identified a wide range of resources and guidance material. This is now available in an e-library to all partners. A dedicated website has been set up and a final report on the project was produced and presented at the MCCP Conference in Liverpool in April 2003 (Bill Callaghan attended).
[Recommendation: Innovative, tackled emerging area, involved stakeholders, secured funding from OGD, formal evaluation by Loughborough University. Strong entry].