Health and Safety Executive

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Myth: Children are banned from throwing snowballs

HSE inspector melting a snowball

The reality

Every year we hear inaccurate stories about children who aren't allowed to throw snowballs, and swimmers who can't take their traditional winter dip in the local lake. All this in the name of health and safety.

If we spend time on the trivial risks there's a chance we'll miss the most important ones. We need to focus on finding ways for things to happen, not reasons to stop them - a sensible approach to managing risk focuses on practical action to tackle risks that cause real harm and suffering.

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Updated 2012-12-18