Health And Safety A Priority For Council After Increase In Aggression Towards Staff

A noticeable increase in the number of incidences of aggression towards staff that work for the Invercargill City Council has prompted a rethink of its health and safety policy.

The council’s risk and assurance committee was told today by a staffer that at least two to three instances had been reported every week for the past six months.  These included those working in the administration building, gardeners, arborists, dog control and the parking compliance team.  The majority of cases were non-work related issues.

Council has two vacancies for health and safety staff, including a manager, but so far has been unsuccessful at recruiting anybody suitable.

Chief executive Clare Hadley told the meeting there was a lot of competition in the sector and it was proving difficult to attract the right person.

“Finding somebody to lead and who that meets our expectations in terms of culture and doesn’t bring a regulatory enforcement approach, and who wins the hearts and minds of staff is challenging.”

Mayor Nobby Clark said it was quite critical of what’s missing at the top end of our council, and agreed with deputy Mayor Tom Campbell that a dedicated sub-committee should be formed to help with the situation.

Clare suggested they should move away from recruitment to identifying people within its own complement of staff that can learn the skills.

Tom agreed there was accountability of leaders within council to manage their own teams, and they had an obligation to look after them.

“We have a relatively immature safety management system.”

Mayor Clark said it would be remiss of council not to support Clare and the executive management team.

“It’s too easy to say the buck stops with Clare.  Sitting in front of a coroner we’d have nowhere to hide.”

“I think we all agree, we are challenged by health and safety and something needs to happen.”