Cllr. Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council, has issued the following statement in response to continued coverage of the safety barrier installation at Weymouth Harbour.
“Following concerns raised by residents directly with the Health and Safety Executive last year, the HSE asked us to produce a suitable and sufficient risk assessment in regards to Weymouth’s harbourside. In correspondence, they stated “HSE’s view is that the default position, particularly in natural pedestrian routes and areas of high footfall, should be edge protection, unless there is a very good reason for that not to be a reasonably practicable solution.”
This was followed up in further correspondence by the HSE Inspector, who stated “it is my expectation that the assessment should identify the need for further edge protection, or clear justification for not doing so.” In this instance, the edge protection agreed upon by Dorset Council Health and Safety Officers was the installation of safety barriers.
At its simplest, as lockdown restrictions ease, central government has requested councils to provide sufficient outdoor space for pubs and restaurants to help prevent the spread of Covid. Given the likelihood of crowds (ie. “high footfall”) in the area this summer, we took the decision to erect safety barriers at specific points of the harbour identified to be at higher risk to help prevent people falling in. These have been funded from central government money specifically allocated for this kind of work.
The safety barriers were erected on the road side of the wall so commercial vessels can continue to use the wall to moor up, unload etc. without having to work around the new structures. The barriers are temporary in their appearance and the materials used; We will consult with local organisations, stakeholders and residents at a later date to establish how a more permanent structure can be installed that helps keep people safe while complimenting the historic aesthetics of the harbour.
Dorset Council is ultimately responsible for ensuring the harbour is a safe environment and it is our duty to take the necessary precautions as advised by the HSE and our own risk assessments. In short, we did not ask people if we should install safety barriers at the harbourside because the matter is not up for debate, especially as there is a highly vocal minority who consistently argue that there should not be ANY changes at the harbour at all, despite tragic accidents in the past that have resulted in deaths and injuries.
We have to put local politics to one side and do the right thing, even if it is a difficult decision. I have personally visited the harbour since the safety barriers have been installed and was impressed with the wider improvements that have already been made to Custom House Quay, following feedback from the public.
I remain convinced that we have made the correct choice in anticipation of the sheer number of visitors we’re expecting in this area over the summer. While I accept we could have better informed residents and local organisations in advance of our plans for the safety barriers, ultimately this is about preventing further deaths and injuries at the harbour in the future.”
Cllr Bryan, the fact that you feel the need to justify your position regarding the railings yet again speaks volumes!
It is also very arrogant to deny the public the right of debate via a proper consultation.
You have clearly acted in a totally undemocratic manner and as a result your position is now untenable, therefore I suggest that you do the right thing and resign!
FYI – These responses are from the DC Comms Team, not Cllr Bryan himself. This statement has been issued following continual coverage in the local press and resulting confusion and unfounded allegations around what the HSE recommended we do at the harbour. The bottom line is, while we will continue to consult on matters that require input from residents, health and safety matters are a matter for health and safety officers and the qualified authorities and we make no apologies for following their guidance to keep our residents and visitors safe.
Health and safety isn’t a matter for direct democracy. Holding a vote to say that you don’t mind the council or a firm doing things in an unsafe manner just because it is less of an imposition on the way you like doing things is not an acceptable form of democracy. The HSE is an expert body employed to make recommendations and impose regulation and the fact that a majority of the local population may or may not like it is irrelevant. If you don’t like it then you should vote for a central govt that stands on a laissez faire manifesto but God help you when you are injured or otherwise harmed because you will have no compensation or insurance then! 3 deaths in 10 years certainly isn’t “Health and Safety gone mad”. It is a proven and unacceptable level of risk.
Whilst I understand your position please do not patronise us residents by referring people as a highly vocal minority as this is not the case.
It’s certainly not our intention to patronise John, so we’re sorry if you felt that way. The reference was made in regards to people who do not wish any work to take place at the harbour, not Weymouth residents generally who are usually quite supportive of our efforts.
I can see why a barrier could be a good idea, but surely something that could be sat on would be more in keeping with the new pedestrian friendly harbour area.
Fair comment Sean, but we had to put the barriers on the road side so commercial vessels could still access the wall. We have provided some additional seating as part of the changes you mention.
You’ve acted following feedback from the public?
I think not!
I completely support the council’s position. Health and safety is not up for discussion and the council has a legal duty in this respect. I regularly pass the grave of a youngster who lost his life in the Harbour. The area is crowded with establishments selling intoxicants late into the night, right by deep water. I think if people are fretting over the look of the barriers they have their priorities wrong. It’s a working Harbour, lined with pubs – safety first please. And its a few barriers – no need for feelings to run so high! Perhaps people would like to chip in for something prettier, or start producing some suggested designs.