Harrow Council's Employees' Consultative Forum has reviewed the annual health and safety report for 2024-2025, revealing concerns about asbestos compliance in schools. The report also highlighted a 16% decrease in reported accidents and incidents compared to the previous year. Other key findings included the launch of the 'Don't ignore it, Report it' campaign to encourage accurate and consistent reporting, health and safety audits in schools and children's centres, and a review of corporate policies and guidance documents.

Key findings from the annual health and safety report included:

  • A 16% decrease in reported accidents and incidents compared to the previous year.
  • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a Notice of Contravention to the council for breaching the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations following a Legionnaires' disease diagnosis at Glebe School.
  • The launch of the 'Don't ignore it, Report it' campaign to encourage accurate and consistent reporting.
  • Senior management attended health and safety leadership training.
  • Health and safety audits were conducted in schools and children's centres.
  • Health and safety management audits were introduced across departments, with an average compliance score of 81%.
  • A review of corporate policies and guidance documents.
  • The ongoing promotion and utilisation of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for mental health support.

The report, presented at a meeting on Wednesday 30 July 2025, highlighted that asbestos in schools is managed by the FM team, the estates team, and headteachers. Re-inspections are devolved to headteachers, who can choose to buy in from the FM service. The council audits these processes to check compliance. These re-inspections are usually conducted annually, depending on the survey and what needs to be re-inspected.

An officer explained that asbestos does not always need to be removed. After an asbestos survey identifies incidences of asbestos, the survey will advise how it should be managed. It can be left in place and managed and monitored with a programme of re-inspections. The officer offered to provide a report on compliance levels, following a question from Councillor Graham Henson about the outcomes of asbestos investigations and tests, particularly in schools, and what action plans were in place to deal with any asbestos that had been found.

Councillor David Ashton emphasised the importance of ensuring that the demolition of the civic centre is handled by experienced professionals, given the potential for asbestos. The officer assured him that the demolition would be carried out under the Construction Design Management (CDM) Regulations, with R&D surveys to identify asbestos and a programme for its removal.

Councillor Henson suggested that future reports should include the outcomes of audits and inspections, confirming whether issues were raised and addressed. Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, supported this suggestion, stating that it would provide more clarity and reduce the need for additional questions.