Council fined for not having adequate risk assessments in place for school staff

    Staff should have been trained to deal with violent and aggressive pupils, says HSE

      • Sector News
    • 21.12.20

    Luton Borough Council has been substantially fined for not having risk assessments in place to protect staff at a local secondary school.

    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the local authority after a teacher at Putteridge High School was left with life-changing injuries following an assault from a pupil.  

    HSE investigators found that:

    ·       There were significant shortcomings in the measures at the school regarding violence and aggression, which the council had failed to pick up and address 
    ·       Luton Borough Council failed to ensure that there were sufficient people with competence in the management of health and safety involved in running the school
    ·       Staff members at the school did not have the training to deal with violent and aggressive pupils in a way which minimised their exposure to risk

    Luton Borough Council admitted breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £104,000 plus £60,000 costs. The fine was reduced from £300,000 due to the council’s lack of revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic

    IOSH Magazine: Cash strapped council’s fine over teacher’s assault cut due to COVID

    Maybo perspective

    This horrible incident highlights the importance of procedures and training in how to de-escalate and maintain safety in heated situations at schools that can involve children, parents or outsiders.

    Training should also develop understanding of child and adolescent behaviour including mental health, attachment, trauma, neurodiversity and risk-taking. This will help teachers reduce behaviours of concern and subsequent risks to pupils and staff.

    Our comprehensive training curriculum provides schools with a prevention first approach, plus positive and safer ways to manage challenging situations. You can find out more here: click here

    Get in touch

    If you would like to discuss how we can help you please get in touch with one of our experts today

    Related ThoughtSpace items

    • Maybo News

    04.12.23

    Maybo's Approach to Risk Reduction in 3 minutes

    Maybo provides organisations with the training, tools and guidance to reduce and manage conflict and behaviours of concern, leading to...

    • Sector News

    10.10.23 | Local Government

    How are the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand governments addressing Psychosocial Hazards?

    Psychosocial hazards refer to factors in the workplace that can affect the psychological well-being of employees, potentially leading to...

    • Case Studies

    25.09.23 | Social Care | Active Support

    The Four Pillars of Maybo's Person-centered Active Support in Action

    Disability Support Workers face time pressure challenges due to the number of tasks needed to be completed. An active support approach...

    Discuss your training with one of our experts