Harrow Council recorded an 8% increase in health and safety incidents in the 2025-26 financial year, with a total of 524 incidents reported compared to 485 in the previous year. This rise may indicate improved reporting practices and greater staff awareness, according to the council's annual health and safety report.

A bar chart and table displaying the categories and counts of accidents and incidents, with 'Accident (Injury)' and 'Violent or Aggressive/Threatening Behaviour incidents' being the most frequent.
A bar chart and table displaying the categories and counts of accidents and incidents, with 'Accident (Injury)' and 'Violent or Aggressive/Threatening Behaviour incidents' being the most frequent.Source: Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee papers, 20 July 2026

Richard Brooks, Strategic Director for Corporate Resources and Innovation, stated that while it's very difficult to interpret that as, is that an underlying increase in the number of incidents, or is it improved reporting? the council has implemented several measures to encourage better reporting. These include several incident reporting training using the management system and campaigns such as do not report it campaign, accompanied by flyers and posters across the hub. Trudeau Morfo, the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Officer, echoed this sentiment, noting that the increase is majorly, it's possible it was due to training and similar awareness initiatives.

Bar chart showing RIDDOR cases, RIDDOR percentage, and total reported incidents by year from 2021/22 to 2025/26.
Bar chart showing RIDDOR cases, RIDDOR percentage, and total reported incidents by year from 2021/22 to 2025/26.Source: Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee papers, 20 July 2026

Despite the overall increase in reported incidents, the number of RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) incidents saw a slight rise from four to six. However, these figures remain low and are comparable to levels seen three to four years ago.

Violence and aggression remained a significant concern, accounting for 193 incidents, with 22 of these reported to the police. The Culture, Environment and Economy directorate recorded the highest number of incidents (193), followed by SLA Schools (172) and Adults & Public Health (97).

Pie chart illustrating the count of different types of incidents, with violent or aggressive/threatening behaviour incidents making up 70% of the total.
Pie chart illustrating the count of different types of incidents, with violent or aggressive/threatening behaviour incidents making up 70% of the total.Source: Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee papers, 20 July 2026

Richard Brooks also highlighted positive performance in training completion, with 100% of senior corporate leadership and 83% of senior leaders completing their IOSH training. Health and safety training compliance across the organisation is now above 95%.

The report also noted that the Health and Safety team completed 90% of its planned audits, a significant improvement from previous years. This has contributed to a reduction in the overall corporate risk rating from red to amber.

A diagram illustrating the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, a continuous improvement methodology.
A diagram illustrating the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, a continuous improvement methodology.Source: Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee papers, 20 July 2026

Wellbeing initiatives have also been a focus, with ongoing delivery of the Employee Health & Wellbeing Strategy, including mental health awareness training and wellbeing events. The Council also continues to promote its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which offers counselling and financial advice services.

Public reports pack Monday 20-Jul-2026 18.30 Governance Audit Risk Management and Standards Comm