Report Summary
This report provides members of the Scottish Police Authority People Committee with an update on concern raised with the Health & Safety Executive about Forensic Services. This was presented for discussion at the meeting on 27 November 2024.
To access the full document please open the PDF document above.
To view as accessible content please use the sections below. (Note that tables and some appendixes are not available as accessible content).
Meeting
The publication discussed was referenced in the meeting below
People Committee - 27 November 2024
Date : 27 November 2024
Location : Online
Further detail
On 16th August 2024, SPA Forensic Services sent a detailed response to the Health & Safety Executive. The response explained that Forensic Services had not been made aware of the concerns raised prior to the email from the Health & Safety Executive. However, there had been a notification of a related matter around fume hoods in June 2024.
The response also detailed the Forensic Services approach to:
• Health & Safety meetings and structures
• Health & Safety processes & governance
• Advice, guidance and support from Police Scotland Health & Safety
• Engagement with Trade Unions
• Meetings chaired by the Chief Operating Officer with inputs from senior managers, technical forensic experts and H&S advisors
• Accreditation to ISO 17025 for laboratory processes
• Accident reporting
• Staff training and future training plans
• Current action plan
• The availability of extensive H&S communications and documentation for all staff on the Forensic Services Intranet including meeting reports
• Use of PPE and safety equipment
On 19th September 2024, the Health & Safety Executive responded to Forensic Services saying: “Thank you for the comprehensive and detailed responses and evidence you have provided to HSE regarding the concern we received. We have reviewed all of the information and evidence you have kindly provided and concluded that they are fully satisfactory.
“I can now confirm that HSE has closed down this concern from our end. Your co-operation in this matter has been very much appreciated.”
Forensic Services welcome the endorsement by the Health & Safety Executive of the approach we have taken over these concerns - which allows us to move ahead with confidence.
Forensic Services have a robust detailed structure to ensure the
Health & Safety of our staff in the workplace. This is supported by electronic systems for reporting accidents and near misses. Our electronic Quality Management System (QMS) is used to raise process issues, log improvements, and track resolutions - to ensure they are robust and auditable.
One of the strategic objectives of our Forensic Strategy is a “Focus on wellbeing so that our people are safe, supported and empowered.” Our values include Integrity – where we highlight our expectations for staff Acting with honesty at all times. Raising concerns.”
