Sutton council agrees to 'myth busting initiative'

A local authority in the London area has agreed to help the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) combat myths it believes obstructs the organisation's goals.

Sutton council is the latest body of this type to sign up to the Ten Principles of Sensible Risk Management, following earlier participation from organisations including Harrogate borough council, Bradford council and a number of these from county Essex.

HSE regional director for London Steven Williams claims people must "turn" their minds from "saloon bar stories" about health and safety legislation in favour of "the stark reality".

"Tackling this is what real health and safety is all about," he states.

Calling on other local authorities in the area to join with Sutton and agree to support the HSE's efforts, Mr Williams says the council is offering an "excellent example".

The official event took place on November 3rd at the organisation's headquarters.

Among the myths it identifies as presenting problems are the banning of conkers, bonfires, fireman poles and hanging baskets.