Menu
24/08/2011
'Ridiculous' Health And Safety Bans Exposed
A list of the most bizarre health and safety bans has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The list includes reports of dodgem cars being stopped from bumping into each other at Butlins in Skegness, a kite-flying ban on a beach in east Yorkshire and bans on Royal Wedding street parties.
The list also included reports of a pensioner being forced to remove an old, bulky television from her home, in case council workmen injured themselves, and a ban on pins used to secure poppies.
Children were also stopped from playing on monkey bars unsupervised in Oxfordshire, while a school in Tyne and Wear banned three-legged and sack races and a school in Huyton banned football games - unless the ball was made of sponge.
However, the most high profile story was the news that officials at Wimbledon had closed Henman Hill - now renamed Murray Mount - a popular point where crowds gathered to watch matches on a big screen amid fears that fans would slip on wet grass and enjoy themselves.
The HSE said that such cases undermined people's confidence in the legislation.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: "We have seen an epidemic of excuses wrongly citing health and safety as a reason to prevent people from doing pretty harmless things with only very minor risks attached. This has to stop. The law does not require this to happen - people must be encouraged to use their common sense."
(KMcA/GK)
The list includes reports of dodgem cars being stopped from bumping into each other at Butlins in Skegness, a kite-flying ban on a beach in east Yorkshire and bans on Royal Wedding street parties.
The list also included reports of a pensioner being forced to remove an old, bulky television from her home, in case council workmen injured themselves, and a ban on pins used to secure poppies.
Children were also stopped from playing on monkey bars unsupervised in Oxfordshire, while a school in Tyne and Wear banned three-legged and sack races and a school in Huyton banned football games - unless the ball was made of sponge.
However, the most high profile story was the news that officials at Wimbledon had closed Henman Hill - now renamed Murray Mount - a popular point where crowds gathered to watch matches on a big screen amid fears that fans would slip on wet grass and enjoy themselves.
The HSE said that such cases undermined people's confidence in the legislation.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: "We have seen an epidemic of excuses wrongly citing health and safety as a reason to prevent people from doing pretty harmless things with only very minor risks attached. This has to stop. The law does not require this to happen - people must be encouraged to use their common sense."
(KMcA/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 May 2004
RNLI urges care on bank holiday after busy weekend
Last weekend was the busiest of 2004 with RNLI lifeboats launching 80 times to help adults and children in distress throughout the UK and Ireland. RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews do not want to see a repeat of 2003, when they responded to a record number of incidents.
RNLI urges care on bank holiday after busy weekend
Last weekend was the busiest of 2004 with RNLI lifeboats launching 80 times to help adults and children in distress throughout the UK and Ireland. RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews do not want to see a repeat of 2003, when they responded to a record number of incidents.
29 November 2005
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
12 October 2005
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
Campaigners call for lower village speed limits
Rural campaigners are urging the government to introduce 30mph speed limits in villages. A survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that 70% of county councils are not implementing a 30mph speed limit in villages. In Buckinghamshire, the researchers found that over 100 villages had a 60mph speed limit.
11 April 2012
Panel Challenges Health And Safety Myths
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is asking the public to report 'health and safety' advice that is wrong or just plain daft.
Panel Challenges Health And Safety Myths
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is asking the public to report 'health and safety' advice that is wrong or just plain daft.
20 February 2013
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
