I welcome the 'staying safe' action plan and particularly the announcement on cutting unnecessary paperwork.The emphasis needs to be on practical steps to manage real risks, not filling out endless paperwork or worrying about trivial risks. Most schools do a very good job of managing risks sensibly and responsibly and we should all be grateful to them. However there are growing examples of unnecessarily long paperwork, risk assessments being carried out for trivial risks and over protective measures being taken. Assessments that resulted in some children wearing goggles when playing conkers are a prime example of over protection. As part of our sensible risk campaign we are working closely with DCSF and others to provide further practical support to schools so they know what is - and isn't expected of them.
Judith Hackitt, Chair, Health and Safety Executive
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