Member Article

Trivial risks should not stop people living their lives

Health and safety in the workplace is too focused on trivial risks and petty procedures, the health and safety watchdog said this week. Endless paperwork and fears over being sued are stopping people enjoying recreational and learning activities, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) said. Instead it is urging people to focus on real risks – those that cause real harm and suffering. To help, the HSC has launched key practical actions that they believe should be included in effective risk management. These can be found on the Risk website.Launching the principles at a children’s sailing centre in north London, Bill Callaghan, Chair of the HSC, said: “I’m sick and tired of hearing that ‘health and safety’ is stopping people doing worthwhile and enjoyable things when at the same time others are suffering real harm and even death as a result of mismanagement at work. “Some of the ‘health and safety’ stories are just myths. There are also some instances where health and safety is used as an excuse to justify unpopular decisions such as closing facilities. But behind many of the stories, there is at least a grain of truth – someone really has made a stupid decision. We’re determined to tackle all three. My message is that if you’re using health and safety to stop everyday activities – get a life and let others get on with theirs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .