Common sense makes a comeback

Today the HSE launches ëPrinciples of Sensible Risk Managementí, as part of a campaign to promote practical health and safety guidance.

Health and Safety Commission chair Bill Callaghan urged people to focus on real risks ñ those that cause real harm and suffering ñ and stop concentrating effort on trivial risks and petty health and safety. He said:

ìMy message is that if youíre using health and safety to stop everyday activities ñ get a life and let others get on with theirs.î

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) president Neil Budworth said:

ìItís about time common sense made a comeback. Good health and safety advice saves lives, makes good business sense, and doesnít come with miles of red-tape.

ìHealth and safety practitioners are here to help get things done, not to stand in the way of business decisions or people living their lives.

ìWe want to save life, not stop it!î

IOSH is supporting this HSE initiative, and has produced a 4 point reality checklist for health and safety professionals, and others, to use.

Risk management - reality checklist

Get together
Make sure that everyone is involved from the start. Bosses and workers need to be part of risk management, otherwise it just doesnít work.

Be aware
Everyone should understand what they are responsible for and what their rights are.

Think about the real world
You canít get rid of all risk entirely, so donít try. Solutions should be sensible, cost-effective, proportionate and based on good practice. And they shouldnít bring miles of red tape.

Take a positive approach
Good health and safety advice helps achieve results, and doesnít have to stop people from doing things. It helps us all do what we want without hurting anyone.