The Health & Safety Executive is fighting back against the 'health & safety gone mad' myths often peddled which cloud the proper business of managing risk.
Each month they shatter a popular H & S myth on their website.
With some humour, dispelling another rumour that they possess none, for September 2007 they tackle the life-threatening issue of playing conkers in school...
"This is one of the oldest chestnuts around, a truly classic myth. A well-meaning head teacher decided children should wear safety goggles to play conkers. Subsequently some schools appear to have banned conkers on ‘health & safety’ grounds or made children wear goggles, or even padded gloves!"
Realistically the risk from playing conkers is incredibly low and just not worth bothering about. If kids deliberately hit each other over the head with conkers, that’s a discipline issue, not health and safety."
Read more fun myths here ...go on fall off your chair laughing.
February 2008 Myth - If a pupil is hurt, the teacher is likely to be sued
January 2008 Myth - Safety Experts’ New Year resolution is to make the life of business people as miserable as possible
December 2007 Myth - Every possible risk needs a safety sign
November 2007 Myth - Workers are banned from putting up Christmas decorations in the office
October 2007 Myth - Children were banned from riding at a donkey derby
September 2007 Myth - Kids must wear goggles to play conkers
August 2007 Myth - Egg boxes are banned in school craft lessons as they might cause salmonella
July 2007 Myth - All office equipment must be tested by a qualified electrician every year
June 2007 Myth - New regulations would require trapeze artists to wear hard hats
May 2007 Myth - Risk assessments must always be long and complex
April 2007 Myth - HSE has banned stepladders
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