Health and safety myths exposed

New research has found health and safety professionals are not banning workers and companies from doing everyday tasks.

A study by consultants Greenstreet Berman, on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive, found most inspectors applied reasonable requirements to ensure adequate workplace safety and did not impose sanctions on businesses for trivial matters.

The research revealed media stories such as people being forbidden from playing conkers and other such situations were not true but did have an effect on people's perceptions of health and safety.

Only a small number of companies were found to have carried out what the media has reported.

In the concluding statement, the report said: "These findings do provide support for taking steps to clarify what is a sensible approach to health and safety as well as addressing perceptions about the risk of litigation".

Ray Hurst, the president of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health said many businesses use workers' health as an excuse to ban things rather than find a solution to a particular problem.