A survey by the Health & Safety Executive has revealed the lengths some small firms mistakenly go to trying to comply with health & safety rules and regulations. One business completed a risk assessment for using a tape measure and another introduced written guidelines for walking up stairs.

To help smaller companies get to grips with health & safety the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has introduced what it calls H&S ABC on its website (go to H&S ABC).

The bizarre and unnecessary actions being taken by some companies were uncovered by HSE in a survey of just 45 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The existence of them in such a small sample suggests such misconceptions must be widespread. HSE is encouraging SMEs to use its free online guidance specifically designed to help smaller companies get their risk management right.

Health & Safety ABC provides simple information to help small firms save time, effort and money by identifying the things they really do need to do and cutting out those they don't.

HSE’s survey shows how myths about health & safety can cause unnecessary confusion. It has flagged up some of the most absurd things employers were doing as examples of how firms can cut red tape simply by sticking to what they have to do.

One in five (22%) of the companies surveyed believed they weren’t capable of managing health & safety themselves and needed to hire a specialist consultant. There were 11% who believed a qualified electrician had to test electrical appliances, such as kettles and toasters, every year – another persistent myth.

Nearly a third of the businesses classed themselves as ‘hopeful-have-a-goers’ when it came to health & safety, aware they have to take some action but unsure where to start or if what they are doing is correct.

HSE’s small business lead, Kate Haire, says: "Health & safety is all about taking reasonable steps to manage serious risks of ill-health and injury in the workplace. If something sounds completely unreasonable, more often than not it will be totally unnecessary, too.

“What’s great about H&S ABC is that it contains all the information smaller businesses need to know to manage health & safety sensibly and comply with the law. It highlights the real risks in a workplace and how to put reasonable precautions in place.

“We have worked with some key industry partners who have regular contact with SMEs to make them aware of the benefits of using the free online tools and guidance HSE has to offer. We hope employers will realise health & safety does not have to be complicated or cost lots of money.”

John Allan, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, says: “The fear factor forces many businesses to adopt unnecessary health & safety procedures which costs time and money. So to introduce a new resource to give small businesses a way of clearly identifying guidance and information designed for them can only be a good initiative. It’s a tool which will not only help to sense check compliance, it will also avoid ‘gold plating’ and show how health & safety need not be a burden on their business.”

Whether a business employs one or two people, or is expanding to multiple locations, the free online guidance will help even complete beginners get health & safety right.