Often when bizarre rules are introduced in the workplace the blame always falls on health and safety regulations, however this very often isn’t true. That is why Health and Safety Executive have been on a mission to bust any health and safety myths they can for the past few years.HSE has kept a record of all the myths they have come across since 2007, even compiling their very own top 10. Here we take a look at our favourites from over the years to help with the myth busting mission!
Here are our top 10 health and safety myths.
Number 10:
Elf might have something to say about office workers being banned from putting up Christmas decorations.
Number 9:
Egg boxes are banned from arts and crafts in schools due to the risk of salmonella.
Number 8:
Flip flops are banned from being worn in the workplace, so we’re not sure what lifeguards are going to do now.
Number 7:
The Queen must have been outraged as rumours spread that health and safety laws banned bunting.
Number 6:
The fairground will never be the same again as candy floss is banned from being served on a stick to prevent impaling.
Number 5:
When paying for entry to see your favourite band, don’t forget to purchase some ear plugs as well, as these are now mandatory at all concerts.
Number 4:
It’s an autumn tradition that goes back centuries, but now when children play conkers they must wear goggles.
Number 3:
Is pick and mix a health risk? Maybe, as during a pantomime, they are no longer allowed to throw sweets out into the audience.
Number 2:
We don’t get much snow in the UK, but when it does come it’s no longer recommended to throw snowballs; but making snowmen is still OK right?
Number 1:
Graduation is a milestone in every young students’ life, but the tradition of throwing mortarboards up in the air to celebrate is no longer allowed.
So, next time you hear of a new ‘health and safety regulation’ being introduced you may want to think twice, is it true or just another myth?