HSE Launches "Myth of the Month"

Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:28 am

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have launched a new myth of the month area on their website to combat common misconceptions in health & safety.

This new section gives a friendly and simple area from which these common mis-interpretations or widely mis-understood beliefs can be combatted. The facts are outlined and further resources provided.

Each month the HSE will cover a different myth, but the first topic covered is that the HSE have not actually banned the use of Ladders and Step-Ladders.

Please visit the Myth of the Month from the link below to find out more:
http://hse.gov.uk/myth

Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 3:43 pm

April's Myth: HSE has banned stepladders

The reality

We have not banned stepladders - nor have we banned ladders! Despite this, the allegation is regularly repeated and some firms have fallen for the myth and acted upon it.

For straightforward, short duration work stepladders and ladders can be a good option, but you wouldn’t want to be wobbling about on them doing complex tasks for long periods. A large number of workers are seriously injured or killed using ladders and stepladders each year. So:

Yes – we want people to use the right equipment for the job.
Yes – there are some common-sense rules for using them safely.
But no – we have not banned them!

Related links:
- Sensible risk management
- Ladders
- Falls
- Putting the record straight

Visit the Myth of the Month Homepage

Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 11:11 am

May's Myth: Risk assessments must always be long and complex

The reality

On its own, paperwork never saved anyone. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself - action is what protects people. So risk assessments should be fit for purpose and acted upon.

OK, if you’re running an oil refinery you’re going to need a fair amount of paperwork. But for most, bullet points work very well indeed.
See what we mean – check out our example risk assessments.

Related links:
- Example risk assessments
- Sensible risk principles
- 5 steps to risk assessment
- Putting the record straight

Visit the Myth of the Month Homepage

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:32 am

July's Myth: All office equipment must be tested by a qualified electrician every year

The reality

No. The law requires employers to assess risks and take appropriate action.

HSE’s advice is that for most office electrical equipment, visual checks for obvious signs of damage and perhaps simple tests by a competent member of staff are quite sufficient.
Check out our guidance below.

Related links:
- Office electrical safety [PDF 45kb]
- Maintaining other electrical equipment
- Sensible risk principles
- Putting the record straight

Visit the Myth of the Month Homepage

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:17 am

August's Myth: Egg boxes are banned in craft lessons as they might cause salmonella

The reality

This story started after a school briefly banned children from using cardboard egg boxes to make things, threatening years of Blue Peter tradition. They were concerned that children might catch salmonella.

Within a few days the school realised there was guidance from the County Council and an organisation for teachers called CLEAPSS, making clear that as long as egg boxes and toilet roll centres look clean, there is no reason why they should not be used.

Just another storm in an egg cup…

Printable Poster (68kb PDF)

Related links:
- Sensible risk principles
- Putting the record straight

Visit the Myth of the Month Homepage

	Slips, Trips and Falls
	Falls from Vehicles
	Workplace Transport
	Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
	Human Factors/Behaviour
	COSHH
	Working at Height
	Lone-working and Violence
	Mental Health and Stress
	Health and Well-being
	Vibration
	Other - please comment after voting...