Risk, Health and Safety Information

HSE Myth Busters

Smoking not allowed for outdoor Christmas lights switch on

Issue

The enquirer went to a Christmas lights switch on in her city centre and was told that she could not smoke by a security officer because of health and safety. The area where she was standing is an unenclosed outdoor area with a temporary close-lapped decked floor surface situated within the main square.

Panel opinion

There are no specific work-related health and safety risks from smoking in an outdoor public area.

Health and Safety at Work regulations do not apply to this situation. The Council does have a no smoking policy which applies in this area for summer events but not during the winter. The contracted employee was mistakenly quoting policy which applies at other times of year and was giving the wrong explanation for the ban.

Chippy would not allow customer to put salt and vinegar on their fish and chips

Issue

Enquirer asked to put their own salt and vinegar on their take-away fish and chips (to get the amount right) but was told that customers could not put their own salt and vinegar on meals due to "Health and Safety". Inquiring further they were told that they could not be sure where customers' hands had been.

Panel opinion

Food safety concerns lie behind this decision not to let customers use salt and vinegar shakers which the chippy uses. The problem could be easily solved by the provision of separate shakers for customers to use or by providing salt and vinegar in sachets

Hot drinks not allowed in a health centre

Issue

A local health centre has a flashing notice saying that the Practice Manager does not allow hot drinks in the surgery because of health & safety regulations.

Panel opinion

The practice manager’s decision to ban hot drinks from the waiting room seems a sensible way to avoid scalding accidents in a busy area and to avoid spills and mess in an environment which needs to be kept clean and tidy. It would be much better if this was properly explained though rather than just resorting to "for health and safety reasons".

Babes in arms not allowed at nativity play

Issue

A primary school stated that parents could not bring young babies to sit on their laps at the nativity play for 'health & safety' reasons. 

Panel opinion

Health and safety does not stop babies attending the school nativity play. It is far more likely the school has made this ruling to prevent them disturbing the performance and performers. If this school were clear about the reasons for their rule, it might help them find some room at the inn for their younger visitors too.