Sensible risk in local government: Overview

A sensible approach to health and safety means focusing on the significant risks – those with potential to cause real harm and suffering - and avoiding wasting resources on everyday and insignificant risks.

These pages will help you find the right balance - whether you are a councillor, head of service, line manager, employee, or health and safety representative.

Real work-related risks

Some aspects of local authority work can present a risk of real harm or suffering to employees, contractors, service users and the public.

'It's because of health and safety' - tackling myths and misunderstandings

Health and safety is often used as an excuse to stop activities or disguise unpopular decisions - giving rise to myths and misunderstandings. This guide[1] is based on 3 simple questions to support you in making decisions that are sensible and challenging those that give rise to myths:

Link URLs in this page

  1. guidehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/sensible-risk/because-of-health-and-safety.htm
  2. Is it really about health and safety?https://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/sensible-risk/is-it-really.htm
  3. Is the decision proportionate to the level of risk?https://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/sensible-risk/proportionate.htm
  4. How do I challenge questionable decisions?https://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/sensible-risk/challenge-decisions.htm
  5. Leading health and safety at workhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg417.pdf

Is this page useful?

Updated: 2024-12-20