Sensible risk management

Despite the stories you hear, the HSE is about saving lives, not stopping people living. We’ve identified ways of making sure attention is on the issues that really matter.

We believe that risk management should be about practical steps to protect people from real harm and suffering - not bureaucratic back covering. If you believe some of the stories you hear, health and safety is all about stopping any activity that might possibly lead to harm. This is not our vision of sensible health and safety - we want to save lives, not stop them. Our approach is to seek a balance between the unachievable aim of absolute safety and the kind of poor management of risk that damages lives and the economy.

• Principles of sensible risk management
• So what’s HSE doing to put this into practice?
• Local Authorities sign-up to sensible risk
• Managing the myths - Myth of the month

How can you help?

You can help promote a sensible approach to health and safety by:

• Letting others know about the principles of sensible risk management and ‘Myth of the Month’
• Demonstrating your support for the principles by putting them into action, in the way you manage health and safety risks.
• Don’t be fooled by myths. If in doubt – check! Have a look at our website, or ring or e-mail HSE Infoline for advice, information and support