Barnet Council is investigating a workplace fatality that was not formally reported, according to a report presented at the Licensing and General Purposes Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.
The unreported fatality came to light during a review of the Commercial Environmental Health - Health and Safety Annual Report 2024/2025. Councillor Richard Barnes inquired about the incident after it was mentioned in the report. Ellis Smallcombe, Head of Environmental Health Consumer and Public Protection, responded that an investigation was underway but declined to provide further details, citing legal advice and the potential for prosecution. Ms. Smallcombe noted that the incident was not formally reported to LBB in line with the legal requirements.
The Commercial Environmental Health - Health and Safety Annual Report 2024/2025, which was reviewed at the meeting, covers businesses across the borough and investigates health and safety matters not related to council employees or buildings.
Other topics discussed at the meeting included the 2024 Electoral Services Report, the Annual Report on Licensing Applications, and the Committee Forward Work Plan 2025-2026. The Public Reports Pack contains the full reports.