The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has rounded up what it says are the most enduring Christmas-related health and safety myths.
A spokesperson for the HSE said: “Christmas is a special time of year. Even so, it doesn’t stop health and safety being – wrongly – cited as a reason for preventing pretty harmless activities from going ahead. Not only does this needlessly ruin the festive spirit but it also trivialises the true purpose of health and safety: protecting people from real risks at, or connected with, work.”
Christmas Health and Safety compilation
The HSE list of ‘dubious’ health and safety risks and restrictions includes the following “old chestnuts”, which it says has been compiled based on media reports and correspondence received.
- Children being banned from having snowball fights.
- Office workers told they can’t put decorations up.
- Panto performers ordered not to throw sweets into the audience.
- Being sued for clearing snow from outside your business or home.
- Preventing people from putting coins in traditional Christmas puddings.
- Seats being removed from shops – despite weary Christmas shoppers wanting to rest their feet.
- Traditional shopping centre Christmas trees being scaled back or replaced by artificial alternatives.
- Christmas lights needing electrical (portable appliance testing) PAT tests every year.
- Santa being ordered to buckle up on his sleigh.
- Carol singers being classed as a health and safety risk.
Government to stamp out ‘Scrooge’ and killjoy mentality
The Guardian quotes Work and Pensions Minister Chris Grayling as saying: “Christmas is a time for celebration and fun. We’re determined to stamp out the health and safety killjoys who try to bring the spirit of Scrooge to Christmas events.”
He added: “We’ve always been clear that health and safety laws exist to provide important safeguards against people being seriously injured or made unwell at work and should not hamper everyday activities. These regulations are intended to save lives, not stop them.
“Our reforms will root out needless bureaucracy and ensure the health and safety system is fit for purpose through streamlining the maze of regulations and ensuring consistency across the board.”
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