They claim that there have been many reports of HSE and health and safety law, being responsible for banning all sorts of things including flip flops, knitting in hospitals, school sports days and even cuddly toys attached to dustbin vans.

According to the HSE they have banned very little outright, apart from a very few high risk exceptions, for example asbestos. They do however want to stress that sensible risk assessment principles should be followed.

HSE are encouraging anyone who encounters a ‘ban’ to check before believing it.

Internet links: HSE myth of the month, HSE Sensible risk principles