 Choose life... Get a life, says HSE
September 4th 2006 The HSE has launched 'Principles of Sensible Risk Management' as part of a campaign to promote practical health and safety guidance as opposed to petty 'killjoyism'.
HSC chair, Bill Callaghan, wants people to focus on real risks – those that cause real harm and suffering – and stop concentrating efforts on trivial risks and petty health and safety. "My message is that if you use health and safety to stop everyday activities – get a life and let others get on with theirs."
The move has been welcomed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. "It's about time common sense made a comeback," says IOSH president Neil Budworth. "Good health and safety advice saves lives, makes good business sense, and doesn't come with miles of red tape."
To support the initiative, IOSH has issued the following simple risk management guidelines:
1) Get together
Make sure everyone is involved from the start.
2) Be Aware
Everyone should understand what they are responsible for and what their rights are.
3) Think about the real world
You can't get rid of all risk entirely, so don't try. Solutions should be sensible, cost-effective, proportionate and based on good practice. And they shouldn't bring miles of red tape.
4) Take a positive approach
Good health and safety advice helps achieve results, and doesn't have to stop people from doing things.
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