Home > News > Health & Safety Executive - Myth about school experiments
30th November 2009

Health & Safety Executive - Myth about school experiments

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) exists in order to prevent death, injury and ill health to those at work and those affected by work activities, and contrary to what you might read or hear in the media, this is about saving lives and not stopping people living.

To try to overcome some of the myths which have grown up over time, the HSE website publishes a “Myth of the Month” which aims to present the real truth behind some of the public perceptions of health and safety regulations.

The claims often made by the media about the activities that are banned due to health and safety are completely unfounded. All the HSE seeks to achieve is a balance between the unachievable aim of absolute safety and the kind of poor management of risk that damages lives and the economy. Risk management should not be merely a bureaucratic exercise, but about protecting people from real harm by taking practical, realistic measures.

Stop classroom experiments

The November myth surrounds the misconception that the HSE would like to stop classroom experiments, on the grounds of Health and Safety.

The reality is that the HSE agrees that hands-on lessons are an essential part of learning. They teach our children about handling dangerous substances with safety, and help them learn how, and why, risk management should be implemented. And they bring to life the subject of science which can often be seen as boring or irrelevant.

For more information on the November myth, and to read other myths which the HSE are seeking to scotch, please visit The Health & Safety Executive site.

For more information on legislation that applies to educational establishments please visit our page on accidents in schools, colleges and universities.

Making an accident compensation claim

If you or a family member have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you may be able to make a claim for accident compensation. Clear Answers' lawyers have teams of specialists waiting to help you, should you decide to instruct us to represent you in your accident compensation claim.

If you select Clear Answers to represent you in your claim, we will be happy to provide you with expert legal advice, and our specialist personal injury lawyers will talk you through the claims process in plain English. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your accident claim.

You will receive 100% of your compensation, and the person responsible your accident will pay our legal fees - our service will be cost-free for you.

Please ring us on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisers to see if you have a valid accident claim for compensation. Alternatively, if you prefer to complete one of our online compensation claim forms, a representative will contact you as quickly as possible.

back to news index