HSE seeks to dispel health and safety myth
December 4, 2007
Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that each and every health and safety risk does not need a separate warning sign.
Issued as part of its Myth of the Month series, the HSE has confirmed that although safety signs can be useful, particularly when the health and safety risk is significant, it does not mean that each and every risk should have its own warning.
Previous myths the HSE has sought to dispel include the falsehood over employees being unable to erect Christmas decorations because of health and safety restrictions.
"Where there are serious risks in your workplace, don't just rely on signs - take practical steps to deal with them," said the HSE.
"If you do need a sign, make sure it has the right symbol and is clearly visible," it added.
The use of safety signs within the workplace falls under the provisions of the Signpost to The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which implement EC Safety Signs Directive (92/58/EEC).
Find out more about conducting a Risk Assessment.
Issued as part of its Myth of the Month series, the HSE has confirmed that although safety signs can be useful, particularly when the health and safety risk is significant, it does not mean that each and every risk should have its own warning.
Previous myths the HSE has sought to dispel include the falsehood over employees being unable to erect Christmas decorations because of health and safety restrictions.
"Where there are serious risks in your workplace, don't just rely on signs - take practical steps to deal with them," said the HSE.
"If you do need a sign, make sure it has the right symbol and is clearly visible," it added.
The use of safety signs within the workplace falls under the provisions of the Signpost to The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which implement EC Safety Signs Directive (92/58/EEC).
Find out more about conducting a Risk Assessment.
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