Safety team encourage risk taking

The safety officers now have a taste for "risky" activities.

Two environmental health officers from the Forest of Dean swam in icy water at an old quarry to dispel myths surrounding health and safety risks.

They were showing their support for colleagues blamed for stopping an annual Christmas Day swim in Suffolk.

Roger Garbett and Keith Leslie took part to highlight sensible risk management by leading by example.

"Too often health and safety is as a reason for inaction, rather than doing things sensibly," Mr Garbett said.

'Taking responsibility'

The pair, and two other colleagues from Forest of Dean District Council have started taking part in a number of activities that could be deemed to be "risky".

"We aren't saying an 89-year-old who hasn't swum before should dive into an outdoor pool in January, but people should stop using health and safety as an excuse.

"It's all about knowing your capabilities and taking responsibility for your own life.

"If you believe some of the stories you hear, health and safety is all about stopping any activity that might possibly lead to harm.

"This is not our vision of sensible health and safety - we want to save lives, not stop them," he said.

Under the banner of Health and Safety Gone Mad they now plan to take part in the Saturnalia Mountain Bike Chariot Racing event being held this weekend at Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, Wales.

They have also been bog snorkelling and taken the Three Peaks Challenge.