SPA Board Meeting Date and Time 29 April 2015, Corn Exchange, Edinburgh Police Scotland Health & Safety Report Item Number 8

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1 Meeting SPA Board Meeting Date and Time 29 April 2015, Location Corn Exchange, Edinburgh Title of Paper Police Scotland Health & Safety Report Item Number 8 Presented By Mr John Gillies Recommendation to Members For Consultation Appendix Attached: H & S Performance Dashboard February 2015 PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to provide Members of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) with an update in relation to Health and Safety performance within Police Scotland/SPA. This is a Standing Agenda Item and is submitted For Consultation. 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 The attached Performance Report covers information up to 28 February 2015, unless otherwise stated and contains data that was accurate at the time of submission. 2. FURTHER DETAIL ON REPORT TOPIC 2.1 The attached Performance Report provides information and data in respect of Health and Safety performance within Police Scotland and the SPA. The Director of People & Development will provide narrative to the content of the Performance Report at the SPA Board meeting. 3. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 3.1 There are no financial implications as a consequence of this report. 4. PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS 4.1 There are no additional personnel implications associated with this report other than those detailed within the Performance Report. 5. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 5.1 There are no legal implications associated with this report

2 6. REPUTATIONAL IMPLICATIONS 6.1 There are no reputational implications associated with this report. 7. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS 7.1 There are no social implications associated with this report. 8. EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS 8.1 There is no equality implications associated with this report. RECOMMENDATIONS Members are invited to note the content of this paper

SPA Public Board Meeting / HR & Remuneration Committee H&S Performance Dashboard February 2015 Introduction This Performance Report covers information from 1 to 28 February unless otherwise stated

3 SPA Public Board Meeting / HR & Remuneration Committee H&S Performance Dashboard February 2015 Introduction This Performance Report covers information from 1 to 28 February unless otherwise stated and contains data that was accurate at the time of submission. Purpose The purpose of the report is to give Board and Committee Members information on the number of accidents and injuries sustained by Police Officers and Staff of both the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland, to show trends in various categories and causes of accidents and comments on causes for significant movement in numbers. Members are invited to note the content of the report. In respect of H & S Data relating to members of the public (Action SPAHR&R ) i.e from RTC s with Police vehicles and injuries sustained in custody, this data is not held on SCOPE but on separate legacy databases. Police Scotland are currently considering how to collate this information from legacy systems and how this information can be presented in a meaningful format. Contents Section 1 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Number and Type Reported 2 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff: 2.1 Injured due to Assault 2.2 Injured during Arrest 2.3 Manual Handling 2.4 Slips, Trips and Falls 2.5 Training 2.6 Road Traffic Accidents 2.7 Others 2.8 Near Misses Page HSE Reportable Accidents and Injuries 20 Page 1 of 23

4 Number Section 1. SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Number and Type Reported 300 Reported Accidents/Injuries /15 Trendline 0 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month 2014/15 During February there were a total of 205 accidents/injuries reported. This is a reduction of 10 since January. Two categories showed an increase Injured During Arrest (+11) and Training (+8), and decreases in the other five reported categories Injury Due to Assault (-2), Manual Handling (-3), Slips/Trips and Falls (--11), RTC s (-5) and Others (-8). Further analysis is given in the individual sections. Page 2 of 23

SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Number and Type Reported (continued) Area Feb '15 2014/15 YTD 2014/15 YTD Accidents per 1000 officers/ staff Feb '15 HSE RIDDOR Reportable 2014/15 YTD HSE

5 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Number and Type Reported (continued) Area Feb ' /15 YTD 2014/15 YTD Accidents per 1000 officers/ staff Feb '15 HSE RIDDOR Reportable 2014/15 YTD HSE RIDDOR Reportable North East West OSD SCD Other Spec Divs SPA Total 205 2, Page 3 of 23

6 Section 2.1 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff Injured Due to Assault During the month of February, there have been a total of 71 Injuries Due to Assault, which is a decrease of 3 since January and is the lowest figure since April 2014, reflecting a sustained downward trend during the year (Action SPAHR&R refers). The highest number of injuries in this category this month have occurred in Local Policing West (31), (down 4 since January) and Local Policing East (24), (up 7 since January). Although Local Policing North shows a rise during February in the per 1000 graph, this reflects a rise from only 11 in January to 12 in February. Increases were attributed to violent individuals assaulting officers in a variety of situations and locations. All Specialist Divisions have shown a decrease, with a total of 6 injuries in this category (down 11 since January). These Divisions will always have very low figures due to their limited interactions with members of the public (e.g. C3, Corporate Services and Criminal Justice officers and staff). Specialist Crime Division have only recorded 2 injuries in this category during 2014/15, this is to be expected due to the nature of the work undertaken in the Division. (Action SPAHR&R refers) Two of the 71 injuries resulted in officers being unfit for duty for more than 7 days and RIDDOR reports being submitted to the Health and Safety Executive. (Ref. Nos. 4 and 10 on the table shown at the end of this report). Page 4 of 23

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8 Number Section 2.2 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) Injured during Arrest The total number of Injuries During Arrest in February was 47, an overall increase of 11 since January. The main contributors to this increase were Local Policing North D Division (Tayside) up from 3 to 13, and Local Policing West G Division (Greater Glasgow) up from 4 to 12. The most common cause for the injuries are where prisoners struggle violently during arrest and both they and the officer fall to the ground. These are difficult circumstances to control and the application of Officer Safety Training techniques for avoiding injury are dictated by the level of aggression being shown towards the officer. Specialist Divisions continue to record very low numbers in this category due to the nature of their work i.e either in Corporate Services or Criminal Justice functions. Specialist Crime Division has incurred only 1 injury in this category this year. There were no single incidents which resulted in multiple numbers of officers being injured but three of the incidents, in Local Policing West (2 in G Division and 1 in U Division) and 1 in Local Policing East J Division resulted in officers being unfit for duty for more than 7 days. The number of injuries in this category this year has gradually fallen. Where an officer is injured during arrest, a review of the circumstances will be carried out by a supervisor and the Officer Safety Training Department and any training/learning identified, either for the officer, or which needs to be incorporated into future Officer Safety Training Programmes (Action SPAHR&R refers). 120 Injured During Arrest - Force + SPA /15 Trendline 0 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month Page 6 of 23

9 Injured During Arrest per 1000 Officers/Staff (Specialist Divisions) Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Op Support Spec Crime Other Spec Page 7 of 23

10 Section 2.3 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) Manual Handling Manual Handling injuries continue to be very low and have shown a further decrease from January (5) to only 2 injuries being recorded in February across the whole of Police Scotland. Neither of the incidents resulted in lost time. At the last meeting, Members requested benchmarking data on previous months to bring the figures into context (Action SPAHR&R refers). A comparison table has now been attached for Member s information. (Note national data for Q1 of 2013/14 is not available due to this being the inception period of Police Scotland. National data was not collated until Q2 of 2013/14). Page 8 of 23

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12 Number Section 2.4 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) Slips / Trips & Falls The total number of Slips/Trips and Falls has decreased from 38 In January to 27 in February. Local Policing North and East both showed a drop of 4 (down from 4 and 9 respectively), Local Policing West remained unchanged at 13 while Specialist Divisions dropped by 3. Officers losing their footing on external uneven surfaces during operational incidents or on foot patrol continues to be the main contributor to the numbers in this category. One of the injuries resulted in a RIDDOR (Ref. No. 7 on the attached table) 70 Slips, Trips & Falls - Force + SPA /15 Trendline 0 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month Page 10 of 23

13 Slips, Trips & Falls per 1000 Officers (Local Policing) Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb North East West Slips, Trips & Falls per 1000 Officers / Staff (Specialist Divisions & SPA) Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Op Support Spec Crime Other Spec SPA Page 11 of 23

14 Section 2.5 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) Training During February there were a total of 12 training accidents, an increase of 8 since January. Three injuries occurred in Local Policing North, 4 injuries in Local Policing East, 2 injuries in Local Policing West, 1 injury in Corporate Services Division, 1 injury in OSD and 1 injury in Specialist Crime Division. The majority of Training Accidents this year have occurred during Officer Safety Training, where officers, under controlled conditions, undertake self-defence, handcuffing and baton strike techniques. Prior to each training session commencing, techniques are risk assessed, officers are given a full safety briefing and are required to declare any pre-existing injuries which may preclude them from taking part. The training is then designed to replicate, as far as possible, situations which officers may come across in an operational setting. For each technique, qualified instructors will demonstrate the correct method prior to it being practised by students. When delivering the course content, instructors aim to provide realistic, practical training, which will best equip and prepare officers for the types of violent situations which they may come across during their duties. As such, due to the dynamic and physical nature of this training, unintended injuries can occur where officers do not follow the correct techniques. For context, during 2014/15, a total of 13,929 officers/staff completed Officer Safety Training, of which 2,062 underwent training in February incurring the 12 injuries. (Action SPAHR&R refers). Two of these accidents (Ref. Nos. 1 & 9) resulted in lost time injuries and learning outcomes from these are specified on the attached table. Page 12 of 23

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Section 2.6 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) RTC Injuries The total number of RTC Injuries in February was 8, a reduction of 5 since January.

16 Section 2.6 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) RTC Injuries The total number of RTC Injuries in February was 8, a reduction of 5 since January. Three injuries occurred in Local Policing North (2 in Tayside D Division and 1 in Highlands and Islands N Division) and 2 in Local Policing East, Forth Valley C Division). Although the per 1000 graph for Operational Support Division shows a sharp rise in January, this was due to just 1 incident. Similarly, the SPA recorded only 1 RTC Injury in February, the same number as January. Following one RTC, two officers were taken to hospital and detained, one overnight and one for two days. Ref. No 2 on the attached RIDDOR table provides further narrative. All other incidents were all of a very minor nature, involved low speeds and were caused either due to adverse weather conditions, or due to evasive actions taken by officers to avoid hazards on the carriageway. Page 14 of 23

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18 Section 2.7 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) Other Accident/Injuries This category covers a wide range of events resulting in minor cuts and bruises and the total number of Other Accidents/Injuries for February was 38, a decrease of 8 since January. During this month, the highest number of accidents recorded was in Local Policing West (12 incidents) and Specialist Divisions (9 incidents). The SPA per 1000 graph shows a marked increase but this was down to an increase of just 2 accidents (up from 1 to 3). A lower number of dog bite incidents contributed to the overall reduction this month. Page 16 of 23

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20 Section 2.8 SPA/Police Scotland Accident and Injury by Type and per 1000 Officers/Staff (continued) Near Misses The total number of Near Miss reports submitted during February was 149, an increase of 3 since January. The highest number of Near Miss incidents have occurred in Local Policing West (88 incidents), followed by Custody Division (20 incidents) and then Operational Support Division (13 incidents). Unsuccessful attempts to physically assault officers and staff either by kicking, punching or headbutting continue to be the largest single contributor to incidents in this category. Since early 2014, Police Scotland has carried out detailed analysis of Near Miss reports, to accurately categorise the incidents reported and the areas where they occur. Through improved communication, officers and staff have been encouraged to report near miss incidents, and have been given appropriate scenario based guidance to allow them to do so. As a result, members will note since September 2014, a more consistent number of incidents have been reported each month (average 145 per month). Benchmarking will be undertaken with the Scottish Prison Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the results of which are expected to be published in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Annual Report 2014/15. (Action SPAHR&R refers). Page 18 of 23

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22 Section 3. Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). These are injuries that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) either because of their serious nature e.g. fractures of major bones or result in more than 7 days lost time. The HSE may contact an organisation for more information or to carry out an investigation where the incident is serious, or where there is a particular national focus on an issue by the HSE. On such occasions they may request a risk assessment, accident investigation or request corrective action to prevent recurrence. Since 1 April 2014, the HSE have carried out only one follow up visit with Police Scotland following a report made. RIDDOR Injuries Comparative Monthly Data APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT 1 NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR 2014/ / One incident in Local Policing East C Division resulted in 2 officers being injured. As such the next table reflects a total of 11 incidents in February. Page 20 of 23

23 Report for period 01/02/15 28/02/15 Ref. No. Injured During Arrest / Assault (Y/N) Area / Division Locus Type No. of Officers / Staff involved Circumstances 1 No North / D Gymnasium 1 Officer taking part in Officer Safety Training did not follow correct technique and banged head. 2 No East / C Public Highway 3 Yes East / J Garden of Private Dwelling 2 Two officers in police vehicle, driver lost control in poor road conditions, resulting in it colliding with the roadside verge and the vehicle rolling several times. 1 Officer was in pursuit of a suspect who was trying to evade capture. As officer attempted to scale a high fence, a sharp pain was felt in shoulder. Injury Sustained Concussion Suspected concussion, both detained overnight. Musculoskeletal injury Remedial / Learning Outcomes This technique has been performed hundreds of times without incident but instructors will emphasise the need for correct head position to avoid recurrence. Full investigation carried out by Road Policing Department. Officer attempting to detain prisoner. No remedial action or learning identified. Page 21 of 23

24 4 Yes East / P Private Dwelling 1 Officer arresting a violent prisoner who was in possession of a bottle. Prisoner struck officer twice on the head. Laceration Violent prisoner who due to location and circumstances could not be restrained with normal control techniques. 5 Yes West / G Public thoroughfare 1 Violent prisoner, struggling with officers and required to be taken to ground to be effectively restrained. Musculo skeletal and bruising Violent prisoner which required reasonable force to carry out restraint. 6 Yes West / G Public thoroughfare 1 Officer was in pursuit of a suspect who had made off following an RTC. Officer caught up with suspect but in a struggle, both fell to the ground resulting in injury to the officer Fracture of little finger and abrasions Violent prisoner which required reasonable force to carry out restraint. 7 No West / L Public thoroughfare 1 Officer was exiting shopping mall and a vehicle was blocking the normal route so the officer had to go onto a section of granite paving which was wet. Officer proceeded to slip and fall heavily on arm. Bruising Unforeseen incident which occurred on an external surface and no corrective action required. 8 Yes West / U Common Close 1 Two Officers were sent to trace a suspect. On arrival the suspect was found and immediately became aggressive. A struggle ensued, during which one of the officers sustained an injury. Fracture of the Scaphoid bone (wrist) Violent prisoner in a confined area, which required reasonable force to carry out restraint. Page 22 of 23

25 9 No Specialist Divisions / Corporate Services / Jackton Gymnasium 1 Officer Safety Training Instructor demonstrating a choke hold on another officer. As the officer broke the hold the trainer immediately felt pain in their shoulder. Partial dislocation Instructors and officers undergo training to avoid such injuries, however on this occasion the technique was performed more dynamically than would have been expected. Corrective advice issued. 10 Yes Specialist Divisions / Operational Support Private Dwelling 1 Police Dog Handler carrying out a premises search for a wanted suspect, who when located kicked the officer in the mouth. Laceration Confined space which made it difficult for the officer to detain a violent prisoner. END OF REPORT Page 23 of 23

OFFICIAL. Scottish Police Authority Board. Meeting

OFFICIAL. Scottish Police Authority Board. Meeting Agenda Item 9 Meeting Scottish Police Authority Board Meeting Date Location Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling Title of Paper Reference B.08.2018/57 Presented By DCC Fiona Taylor Recommendation to Members