Panel to challenge health & safety myths
Health & Safety update 09/05/2012
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is asking the public to
report 'health & safety' advice that is wrong or that seem
ridiculous.
An independent panel – the Myth Busters Challenge Panel – set up
by the HSE will scrutinize decisions based on ‘health and safety’
which stop what are essentially sensible activities from going
ahead.
The Panel will look into complaints regarding the advice given
by non-regulators such as insurance companies and employers and
assess if a sensible and proportionate decision has been made. They
want to make it clear that 'health & safety' is about managing
real risks properly, not being risk averse and stopping people
getting on with their lives.
The Panel is chaired by the HSE Chair, Judith Hackitt, with HSE
board member, Robin Dahlberg, as the Vice-Chair and is supported by
a pool of independent members who represent a wide range of
interests. This includes small businesses, public safety, trade
unions, the insurance industry and many outside interests where
day-to-day common sense decisions on risk management are made.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said, “All too often
jobsworths are the real reason for daft health & safety
decisions. We want people who are told they cannot put up bunting
or they cannot play conkers to know that there is no basis in law
for such rulings. Common sense is the key to successful health
& safety. The Myth Busters Challenge Panel will advise people
where they think local authorities, insurance companies or schools
have got it wrong.”
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