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The HSE’s recent ‘myth of the month’ for May aims to dispel some of the stories and beliefs attached to conducting risk assessments; in particular the myth that they must always be long and complex.
On the HSE’s myth of the month page it says:
“On its own, paperwork never saved anyone. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself – action is what protects people. So risk assessments should be fit for purpose and acted upon.OK, if you’re running an oil refinery you’re going to need a fair amount of paperwork. But for most, bullet points work very well indeed.”
The HSE claims that its aim with the myth of the month series is to promote sensible risk management. Which, according to the HSE, is about:
- ensuring that workers and the public are properly protected;
- providing overall benefit to society by balancing benefits and risks, with a focus on reducing real risks – both those which arise more often and those with serious consequences;
- enabling innovation and learning not stifling them;
- ensuring that those who create risks manage them responsibly and understand that failure to manage real risks responsibly is likely to lead to robust action; and
- enabling individuals to understand that as well as the right to protection, they also have to exercise responsibility
It says that sensible risk management is not about:
- creating a totally risk free society;
- generating useless paperwork mountains;
- scaring people by exaggerating or publicising trivial risks;
- stopping important recreational and learning activities for individuals where the risks are managed; or
- reducing protection of people from risks that cause real harm and suffering.
The issue of excessive risk aversion has gained much publicity of late, with some people maintaining that there is no evidence to say people are becoming more risk averse, and with others claiming that there is.
There are also a steady parade of stories in the media highlighting risk averse, or supposedly risk averse, decisions.
For example, today it has been reported that call centre workers at the Vale of Glamorgan Council, who used to be obligated to greet callers in Welsh as well as in English, have stopped the practice because it may strain their vocal cords. The aim is to limit speaking time for staff, recommended by the HSE for good call centre practice.
The move has been branded absurd by some, but welcomed by the Communications Workers Union.
In a stinging speech last year Bill Callaghan, Chair of the HSC, launched an attack on excessive risk aversion:
"I'm sick and tired of hearing that 'health and safety' is stopping people doing worthwhile and enjoyable things when at the same time others are suffering real harm and even death as a result of mismanagement at work.Some of the 'health and safety' stories are just myths. 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."
Source: HSE
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