You will have heard people refer to ‘Elf N Safety’ when an activity that appears to be quite reasonable has been prevented from going ahead in the name of Health and Safety.
Health and Safety is about enabling people to do what they need to do as safely as possible not about stopping people doing what they want or have to do. Surely there is nothing wrong with putting processes and procedures in place that prevent people being injured and even killed whilst carrying out their daily duties?
So where did Elf N Safety come from? Why have so many companies and local authorities become so risk averse? Who or what is driving this fear? Has it been brought about by the claims culture, or because they are afraid the insurance company will increase the cost of their premium if an activity goes ahead?
Why is Health and Safety being used as a reason to prevent people and in a lot of cases children doing the simplest things?
I am sure you have heard about many of these instances which have been reported in the media for instance:
Graduates banned from throwing mortar boards!
Candy floss on a stick being banned in case people trip and impale themselves!
The HSE are doing everything they can to dispel these myths, to help them achieve this they set up an independent panel - The Myth Busters Challenge Panel. The panel looks into complaints about the advice given by non-regulators such as insurance companies, local authorities and employers.
Case 108 - Footballs banned from school playgrounds
Issue
A letter sent to the parents of children at a primary school stated that for health and safety reasons football will no longer be allowed on the infant playground at break and lunchtimes due to restricted space and the unfortunate events of several pupils having been kicked in the face by a football. Another school has also banned what they call "dangerous footballs" – with only foam balls allowed.
Panel decision
There is no health and safety legislation which bans children playing with footballs. All that is needed is a proportionate approach to manage these everyday activities while the children are in the care of the school.
If you think a decision or advice that you have been given in the name of health and safety is over the top or just plain wrong you can complain to the panel; it will investigate and their findings will be published on the HSE website.
Contact the challenge panel if you have any queries: www.hse.gov.uk/contact/myth-busting.htm
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