We are surrounded by health and safety myths. As people regularly state that the practice has “gone mad”, many stories and beliefs enter public discourse based on fiction.
As a consequence, a few health and safety misconceptions have entered popular thinking, distorting the practice and its importance. We all like to think we know health and safety rules well, but sometimes, our beliefs can be wrong.
Below, we list a few common myths, misconceptions and health and safety facts to put your health & safety knowledge to the test. Simply pick which letter you think is correct.
Myth: Flip-Flops are Banned in the Workplace
Footwear is important. If you’re working with heavy materials – such as lifting – you should wear steel-toed boots. However, what about other jobs? Surely you can wear a pair in an office job, right?
- Flip-flops are fine in workplaces where there is no heavy lifting
- Flip-flops are acceptable only if you work outside
- Flip-flops are banned under the law due to the prevalence of slips, trips and falls in all workplaces
- The decision is entirely down to company policy
Myth: Workers Aren’t Allowed to Put up Christmas Decorations
Bah, humbug! Health and safety wouldn’t get in the way of Christmas, right? Surely employees can put some Christmas decorations up?
- Christmas decorations mean climbing at height, technically making them illegal without proper equipment.
- Christmas decorations are up to the business, as long as step ladders are provided.
- There is little reason to risk putting Christmas decorations up, meaning it must be done by a trained official.
- Christmas decorations in workplaces are technically illegal.
Myth: Doors Cannot Be Left Open as They’re a Fire Hazard
If fire doors are left open for evacuation purposes, can’t we just wedge them open at all times?
- Wedging the fire door open is fine as long as there are fire safety signs in clear view and the pathway is clear.
- Wedging fire doors open isn’t allowed as this can inadvertently help the fire spread.
- Fire door policy is entirely up to the business.
- Wedging a fire door open is fine, only if a proper wedge is used to do so.
Myth: Appliances Like Toasters Are Banned From Workplaces Due to Fire Risk
This is where health and safety law and company policy can collide. But is it law, or is it entirely down to the business owner?
- Toasters and other heat-based appliances are banned by law as they may cause a fire.
- These appliances are not banned by law but are up to the discretion of the business owner.
- These appliances are not banned but they need to be brought in and PAT tested by the employees.
- These appliances are up to the discretion of the business owner, but legally, they must be safety and PAT tested.
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While there are numerous other health and safety myths out there, hopefully this short quiz has made you realise that some “obvious” answers aren’t obvious, and some myths are perpetuated from one-off stories or fabrications.
Either way, staying informed on safety policy and having the right signs and labels is always a good first step to avoid falling for safety myths and misconceptions. Discover our range of high-quality health and safety signs today, and be sure to follow our Twitter for the latest safety news.
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