Common Health & Safety Myths Debunked

As people return to work in the new year, we often make promises to ourselves, more commonly known as New Year Resolutions.

These are often about improvements we want to make in our life such as losing weight, getting fitter, abstaining from alcohol, or getting a new job.

More often research is undertaken for the best way to achieve the improvements we seek and search engines, or social media feeds are often used by those seeking answers.

But we should ask ourselves if the information provided is correct, or indeed accurate?

The same can be said about Health & Safety information that we read or hear about as not all of what you read and hear is necessary fact.

In 2012 things were getting so bad in the press about health & safety stopping activities that the HSE launched a ‘Myth Busting’ panel asking the public to submit cases where it was used as an excuse to stop activities. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the HSE panel confirmed that health and safety regulations did not ban activities and that ‘health and safety’ was being used as a smokescreen, usually to hide poor customer service.

Common Misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions about health and safety in the UK, as well as in many other countries.

It's important to address these misconceptions to ensure that people have an accurate understanding of how health and safety legislation works. Below we consider some of these common misconceptions:

Health and safety regulations are excessive and unnecessary: Some people believe that health and safety regulations in the UK are overly strict and unnecessary. In reality, these regulations are in place to protect workers and the public from harm and are based on risk assessments and industry-specific standards.

Health and safety is all about paperwork: While documentation is an essential part of health and safety compliance, it's not the only aspect. Health and safety regulations also involve practical measures, training, instructions and risk assessments to prevent accidents and injuries.

Health and safety is just common sense: While some health and safety principles may seem like common sense, not all hazards are immediately apparent. All people are different, some are cautious while other may be risk takers.

A definition of common sense is “the ability to think and behave in a reasonable way and to make good decisions”.

Not everyone thinks or behaves in a reasonable way which is why proper training and risk assessments are necessary to identify and mitigate potential risks. The Arinite Factsheet 0035 – Competence in Health and Safety provides a simple overview of H&S competence.

Health and safety are the sole responsibility of the employer: While employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment, health and safety is a shared responsibility.

Employees also have a duty to follow safety procedures, use personal protective equipment, and report hazards or injuries.

Health and safety regulations stifle innovation and productivity: Some people believe that strict health and safety regulations can hinder business innovation and productivity.

However, well-designed regulations can actually enhance workplace safety and efficiency by reducing accidents and injuries.

Health and safety is only relevant in certain industries: Health and safety regulations apply to all industries and workplaces, not just high-risk ones.

Every employer has a legal duty to protect their employees and the public from harm, regardless of the type of work they do.

Small businesses are exempt from health and safety regulations: Small businesses are not exempt from health and safety regulations.

The level of regulation and requirements may vary depending on the size and nature of the business, but all employers must provide a safe working environment.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are not only in place to enforce H&S legislation, but also to provide information. Health & safety basics for business webpage is a good start for any small business who are not aware of their responsibilities.

Health and safety is primarily about preventing physical injuries: Health and safety regulations also apply to health conditions which can result from, or be exacerbated by work.

Exposure to hazardous substances, excessive physical work or psychological impact leading to mental health issues, all need to be considered in risk assessments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, acting on myths and misconceptions about health and safety may leave you or your organisation vulnerable which is why it is important to stay informed about health and safety and take a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of workers and the public.

Seeking help, assistance and guidance from relevant authorities and experts when necessary is a responsible and effective way to help businesses comply with the law, reduce accidents and injuries, and create a safer and more productive work environment.

Contact us

Arinite clients worldwide appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment. Our team of health and safety consultants take pride in keeping health and safety simple. If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office +44 207 947 9581, or type an enquiry to: https://www.arinite.com/contact-us/.
Derek McStea