Roger Bibbings responds to an article that appeared in the Times on 22 February 2005

The allegations from Cabe Space (The Issue Explained, Feb 22nd) that safety is constraining innovative design of public spaces seems to be yet further evidence of excessive risk aversion due to poor safety and risk literacy among professionals. It is a common misconception that UK safety law requires all activities and environments to be risk free. There is no such thing as absolute safety. Unless risks cannot be justified, for example, because they are too great or confer no real advantage, safety is all about balancing risks, costs and benefits.

Roger Bibbings
Occupational Safety Adviser
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

• Original article in The Times