Health & safety

Land Registry recognises that with changes in working methods we need to review and update the tools available for our staff to function effectively and safely.

We commissioned consultants to undertake a groundbreaking in-depth health and safety study of display screen equipment, including a review of the computer hardware, software, environment and psychosocial aspects. The outcome was more than 50 recommendations that, when implemented, will place Land Registry at the forefront of display screen equipment working standards. All the recommendations have been accepted and 2007/8 will see a programme of implementation of these recommendations.

Continuing with our aim of improvement for staff working with display screen equipment, an online system of training and assessment was trialled and subsequently introduced to all offices. This targets assistance from assessors where it is most required and supplies a wealth of information relating to the health and well-being of our staff that was not available under the previous paper-based system. To enhance standards all our in-house assessors are required to hold an Institution of Occupational Safety and Health certificate in display-screen risk assessment.

The annual programme of health and safety audits has been completed with all offices audited receiving at least a 'substantial' assessment for compliance. It is pleasing to record a considerable reduction in our accident incident rate from 7.67 in 2005/6 to 5.76 for 2006/7.