Disclosure Log
Workforce Safety Policy (FOI/5425)
Message from Nottinghamshire County Council - 24 March 2025
Dear Requester,
Request FOI/5425
Further to your request received I confirm that the Council has now considered your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
1. Workforce Policies on Water Crossings:
Does Nottinghamshire County Council have an official policy or guidelines regarding the use of water crossings (such as Rufford Ford) by its employees
Nottinghamshire County Council does not have a specific policy regarding how employees cross a ford. As with any major organisation we have comprehensive Health and Safety guidance available to all staff and managers that emphasises the importance to managers and employees of identifying and mitigating risk. However, the ford is on a public highway and not specific to the organisation so employees would be expected to take due regard to the speed of their vehicle and the depth of the water when crossing as would any member of the public.
If so, please provide copies of relevant policy documents, training materials, or risk assessments related to employees crossing fords or working in areas with water hazards. Risk assessments are undertaken by managers and not held centrally therefore we would be unable to share these. Our guidance documents are the intellectual property of NCC
2. Risk Assessments for Rufford Ford:
Were any formal risk assessments conducted specifically for Rufford Ford before its closure
The closure was undertaken under our powers to introduce Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders on the grounds of protecting public safety. Specifically this closure was do at the direct request of the Police due to escalating issues of safety caused by gathering crowds filming social media content.
If available, please provide copies of such risk assessments, including those assessing potential hazards for council staff.
3. Workforce Training & Safety Measures:
Are council employees, including maintenance or emergency response teams, given specific training on assessing the safety of water crossings
Our highway maintenance is undertaken by Via East Midlands who have specific training on working in and around water.
If so, please provide details on what training is provided and any internal policies regarding vehicle use in flooded or hazardous conditions.
4. Decision Process for Closure:
What internal discussions or reports led to the decision to close Rufford Ford
As above, the closure was undertaken directly using our powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. No formal report preceded this but there has been a subsequent decision to consult on a permanent solution the results of which will be presented to the Cabinet Member in the summer of 2025.
Were any concerns raised about council staff or contractors potentially being at risk while using the crossing before the public closure
We are not aware of any concerns about council staff or contractors being at any risk other than that to the general public when crossing the ford.
We hope you find this information useful.
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Yours sincerely
Freedom of Information
Complaints and Information Team
Chief Executives Department
Nottinghamshire County Council
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