The University of Warwick Student Union unanimously decided to ban fancy dress at a beloved student club due to health and safety concerns – at least, that’s what the Warwick Tab’s spoof article pranked for April Fools earlier this month!
Although fictional, this light-hearted joke actually reflects a very real theme in the world of health and safety: myths and rumours. “Health and safety” is often used as an excuse to ban activities or disguise controversial decisions – leading to misunderstandings about actual health and safety regulations. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in the overwhelming majority of cases, health and safety regulations don’t ban activities.
The role of good health and safety
Health and safety legislation is actually about preventing ill health, serious injury or death in your workplace. It’s about taking necessary action to reduce real risks – finding the balance between ensuring safety whilst not being intrusive. Quality health and safety support will comply with the law to keep your staff safe and provide you with peace of mind.
Health and safety myths
Although false health and safety guidance is ultimately unhelpful, that doesn’t mean it’s not entertaining! We’ve compiled some of our favourite health and safety myths to debunk… how many had you fooled?
Ladder licence
You need to be formally ‘qualified’ to use a ladder at work.
This is a complete myth. According to HSE, the user just needs to be competent. This means having the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to use a ladder properly for the intended task. If your employee is being trained, they’ll just need to be supervised by someone who can use a ladder competently.
Pedantic playgrounds
Playing conkers is banned at schools.
This myth sprouted up in the early 2000s, claiming that HSE had banned conker fights for health and safety reasons. The rumour grew so widespread that HSE had to put a notice on their website to deny it. Although ultimately untrue, this probably saved teachers a whole lot of stress – no more teary fall-outs over conkers from the pupils!
A grave mistake
Loose flowers and pots aren’t allowed on graves.
This might be a myth, but it’s not entirely a ghost story: it originated after a town council implemented a policy to stop loose flowers and pots being placed on graves. The rule was put in place to make maintenance easier for staff after an employee injured themselves on a broken pot.
Although this rule may have been implemented by one graveyard, it’s definitely not real HSE guidance for all graveyards in the country!
Dangerous daffodils
Dangerous daffodils can be removed from public spaces.
This is a complete rumour – dangerous daffodils don’t exist. This one originated after a citizen complained to their local council’s park department that the wooden canes protecting daffodil bulbs posed a health and safety risk if someone were to fall onto the flower bed.
This wasn’t an actual health and safety issue; the request to remove the canes was disproportionate to the threat the canes actually posed.
Sticky situations
Selfie sticks are banned in nightclubs.
Whilst some venues definitely feature selfie sticks on their list of prohibited items, that doesn’t mean that selfie stick bans in nightclubs are legally enforced by HSE!
Get real health and safety support
After all these rumours, you might be seeking something a little more reliable. Real health and safety is crucial to protect your business. If you want pragmatic, cost effective outsourced health and safety advice, please contact us to find out more.
