2 February 2010
HSE responds to Strathspey and Badenoch Herald regarding clearing pavements during icy conditions
Country: Scotland


© Peter Brodie

Letter from HSE Regional Director

Dear Editor,
Re: “Letters: Snow work often good work” – 27 January 2010

I would like to make it clear that under health and safety legislation nobody who volunteers to support their community by clearing pavements during icy conditions should feel they are in danger of being sued.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) encourages a common sense approach to health and safety. We think it is ridiculous that people should feel prevented from helping others, through a fear of being held responsible for an accident.

HSE is focused on the real safety risks at work, and agrees with your reader that advising people not to remove the snow from outside their premises “inhibits people from behaving responsibly to themselves and to others…”

Yours sincerely,

Paul Stollard
Regional Director, Scotland
Health and Safety Executive
59 Belford Road
Edinburgh

EMP Editor's note: For readers used to North American English, the pavement is the sidewalk.

2 February 2010
HSE responds to Strathspey and Badenoch Herald regarding clearing pavements during icy conditions
Country: Scotland


© Peter Brodie

Letter from HSE Regional Director

Dear Editor,
Re: “Letters: Snow work often good work” – 27 January 2010

I would like to make it clear that under health and safety legislation nobody who volunteers to support their community by clearing pavements during icy conditions should feel they are in danger of being sued.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) encourages a common sense approach to health and safety. We think it is ridiculous that people should feel prevented from helping others, through a fear of being held responsible for an accident.

HSE is focused on the real safety risks at work, and agrees with your reader that advising people not to remove the snow from outside their premises “inhibits people from behaving responsibly to themselves and to others…”

Yours sincerely,

Paul Stollard
Regional Director, Scotland
Health and Safety Executive
59 Belford Road
Edinburgh

EMP Editor's note: For readers used to North American English, the pavement is the sidewalk.