HSE makes risk a matter of principle

News | HSW
01.10.2006

THE HSE has launched a set of "sensible risk management" principles designed to help businesses navigate a path between unsafe practices and excessive risk aversion. The principles (available at www.hse.gov.ukrisksensible.htm) emphasise that risk management is not about "creating a totally risk-free society" or generating mountains of paperwork but enabling innovation while focusing effort on reducing real risks.

The principles were backed up by an HSE public relations exercise aimed at denting the over-protective, killjoy image of health and safety management promoted by some national newspapers. Under the slogan "Get a life", the campaign was launched by visits by Health and Safety Commission chair Bill Callaghan to a children's sailing centre and by safety minister Lord Hunt to caves near Hay-on-Wye.

Launching the principles, Bill Callaghan said he was "sick and tired" of hearing about health and safety stopping people taking part in activities. "Some of the 'health and safety' stories are just myths," said Callaghan. "There are also some instances where health and safety is used as an excuse to justify unpopular decisions such as closing facilities. But behind many of the stories, there is at least a grain of truth - someone really has made a stupid decision. We're determined to tackle all three. My message is that if you're using health and safety to stop everyday activities - get a life and let others get on with theirs."

He was backed up by HSE deputy chief executive Jonathan Rees, who said: "We want to cut red tape and make a real difference to people's lives." The initiative was welcomed by the bodies including the EEF manufacturers' organisation and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), whose president Neil Budworth said it was "about time common sense made a comeback".