10 ridiculous Health and Safety myths

Posted 7 years ago

Health and safety regulations exist to protect people from genuine harm. However, over the years, a range of bizarre myths have emerged, creating the impression that common sense has been thrown out of the window.

From reports of children being forced to wear goggles while playing conkers to trapeze artists supposedly needing hard hats, these myths have taken on a life of their own. But how many of them are actually true?

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most ridiculous health and safety myths, debunk them, and explain how misinformation spreads. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a ‘ban’ that seems too strange to be real – you’re not alone!

Where do health and safety myths come from?

Like a game of Chinese whispers, health and safety myths often start with a small misunderstanding and snowball into absurd urban legends. Here are some of the main reasons these myths spread:

1. Misinterpretation of rules

Many myths originate from companies misinterpreting safety guidance and going overboard. For example, a school might introduce a rule to encourage safer play, but someone exaggerates it into a full-blown ban.

2. Overcautious employers

Some businesses introduce extreme precautions due to a fear of liability. Rather than assessing risks properly, they take unnecessary steps ‘just in case,’ which can lead to misinformation.

3. Sensationalist headlines

The media loves a good ‘health and safety gone mad’ story. A minor policy change can be twisted into a dramatic headline, making it seem like a national ban rather than an isolated decision.

4. Social media and word of mouth

Misinformation spreads rapidly on social media, especially if a story is humorous or frustrating. A small exaggeration quickly turns into an accepted ‘fact.’

5. Blaming health and safety for everything

Sometimes, businesses use ‘health and safety’ as an excuse to cut costs or avoid complaints. Rather than admitting they don’t want to provide a service, they claim they are following safety rules.

Now that we understand why these myths spread, let’s dive into some of the most ridiculous examples.

The top 10 health and safety myths – debunked

When it comes to health and safety, plenty of myths and misconceptions have taken on a life of their own. Over the years, stories about bizarre bans and excessive safety measures have spread, often leading people to believe that everyday activities are subject to strict regulations.

In reality, many of these so-called ‘rules’ have no legal basis and are simply misunderstandings or one-off decisions blown out of proportion. Let’s take a look at some of the most common health and safety myths and separate fact from fiction.

1. Children must wear safety goggles to play conkers

One of the most famous health and safety myths is that children are required to wear safety goggles when playing conkers. This claim has been circulating for years, but there is no official rule enforcing this.

In reality, some schools have encouraged goggles after concerns about eye injuries. However, this was never a government requirement—just a precaution taken by individual schools. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has repeatedly confirmed that playing conkers is not a major risk and doesn’t require goggles.

2. ‘Pin the tail on the donkey’ is a health & safety risk

This classic party game has been around for generations, but some believe it has been banned due to safety concerns. In truth, there is no rule preventing children from playing this game.

Like any game involving blindfolds, some supervision is required to ensure no one walks into furniture or sharp objects. However, the idea that health and safety laws have outlawed it is completely false.

3. Candy floss on sticks is banned in case people trip and impale themselves

This myth suggests that fairs have banned candy floss on sticks due to fears that people might trip and stab themselves. While it sounds laughable, some event organisers have chosen to switch to bagged candy floss—but not because of a national rule.

In reality, concerns about litter or local policies (rather than safety risks) have led to changes in how candy floss is sold. There is no law banning candy floss on sticks.

4. Hanging baskets have been banned due to head injury risks

At one point, reports emerged that councils were removing hanging baskets over fears that people might bump their heads. While some local councils briefly reviewed hanging baskets due to structural concerns, there was never a nationwide ban.

This myth likely started when a town council temporarily removed some baskets to check the strength of their brackets. However, this was a practical safety measure, not an outright ban. Hanging baskets remain a common sight across the UK.

5. Schools must replace standard ties with clip-on ties to prevent choking

Some schools have opted for clip-on ties, leading to speculation that traditional ties were banned for safety reasons. While clip-on ties reduce the risk of strangulation in fights or accidents, there is no law requiring schools to enforce them.

Each school decides its uniform policy, and while some prefer clip-on ties, many still allow standard ties. The choice is often based on convenience rather than legal safety requirements.

6. Flip-flops are banned in all workplaces

This myth suggests that workplaces have universally banned flip-flops due to health and safety laws. While it’s true that some employers discourage flip-flops due to slip hazards, there is no general rule banning them.

Certain workplaces, such as construction sites and kitchens, have footwear requirements to prevent injuries. However, office environments and low-risk workplaces typically leave footwear choices to employees.

7. University graduates can’t throw mortarboards in the air

A long-standing graduation tradition involves throwing mortarboards into the air, but some universities have discouraged the practice. This has led to claims that ‘health and safety laws’ have banned it altogether.

While a few institutions have asked students to avoid throwing their hats due to injury concerns, this is a university-specific decision—not a legal requirement. Many universities still allow the tradition, and those that don’t often provide staged photos instead.

8. All UK park benches are being replaced because they are 3 inches too low

A rumour once circulated that councils were replacing park benches because they were deemed too low under health and safety laws. However, this was never a legal requirement.

Occasionally, councils may adjust the height of benches to make them more accessible, particularly for elderly or disabled people. However, there is no widespread ban on benches based on height.

9. Trapeze artists must wear hard hats

One of the strangest myths claims that trapeze artists are required to wear hard hats while performing. This is entirely false—circus performers assess their own risks and take appropriate precautions, but hard hats have never been a requirement for trapeze artists.

While industries like construction have strict PPE rules, performers take different safety measures suited to their activities, such as safety nets or harnesses.

10. Office workers are banned from putting up Christmas decorations

Every year, stories emerge about workplaces banning Christmas decorations due to health and safety laws. In reality, there is no official rule preventing office decorations.

Some companies may introduce guidelines to avoid trip hazards or fire risks, but these are workplace-specific policies, not laws. Sensible placement of decorations is encouraged, but Christmas cheer is not illegal!

Don’t believe everything you hear – get to grips with proper workplace health & safety

Health and safety should be about protecting people from genuine risks—not banning fun activities due to exaggerated fears. Many of these myths stem from misunderstandings rather than real laws.

If you want to ensure your workplace stays compliant without falling for these myths, our health and safety training courses can help. Learn what’s genuinely required and how to implement practical, effective safety measures in your workplace.

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