Balloon stunt banned

THE BBC has played down reports that a promotional stunt featuring Belfast DJ Colin Murray is too dangerous. The video, to plug Murray’s new evening show on Radio One, showed the presenter being released skywards attached to around 500 helium balloons. But, according to reports, the BBC decided not to show the video in the aftermath of Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond’s 300mph crash in a jet-powered car. Belfast Telegraph 6/12/06.

Drinks police go soft

A SCHOOL has sparked a row with parents by banning pupils from bringing in soft drinks. Governors at the south London primary school introduced the ban - which covers everything from fruit juice to fizzy drinks - because they fear high levels of sugar in some drinks could harm children’s health. But some parents say it leaves their children with only one drink - water - which many do not like, and in hot weather pupils have been returning home tired, listless and dehydrated. More than 100 parents at 390-pupil De Lucy primary school in Abbey Wood have signed a petition demanding the policy - believed to be the first of its kind in London - be reversed. This is London 30/6/03.

Bus paint passenger sees red

AN elderly heart patient was kicked off a bus in the rain for carrying a tin of paint. Grandad Brian Heale, 73, who bought the antique cream emulsion for a DIY project, was told it broke new health and safety rules. The RAF veteran, who suffers from shortness of breath, found himself stranded because he could not carry the tin home. He took shelter in a cafe where the owner gave him a lift. Brian who had caught the No9 bus in Cardiff, told how the driver ordered him: “Sorry, you’ve got to get off.” He said: “I thought he was joking. But he parked the bus and called head office. Then he told me carrying the paint was against new health and safety regulations. It’s crazy.” Under the new rules paint is classed as a “hazardous article” and can only be carried on buses if it is in a bag. A spokesman for Cardiff Bus said: “We apologise to Mr Heale for the obvious inconvenience caused. Safety of passengers is our number one priority which is why the company takes regulations very seriously.” The Sun 18/4/06.

Paddle guard puzzle

TOWN hall chiefs threatened to remove a kiddies paddling pool - because it had no lifeguard. Katie Joyce and other mums chipped in for the 10ft plastic pool to give their children a holiday treat. But when they set up the £50 inflatable on a council-owned communal green without permission, they were warned it would be removed on safety grounds. Bosses at Warwick district council feared a child could get hurt although the water was only 12 inches deep. They told families on the Fallow Hill estate in Leamington Spa not to let children use it. The letter added: “Permission has not been granted for its use. The council cannot be held liable and persons using the pool are not insured. The council are considering removing it.” Residents say the council was unhappy because there was no lifeguard or first aider. But angry parents claim they watch the children and there are never more than six in the pool. Katie, 36, said: “It’s ridiculous, those kids could not be safer. The government always bangs on about getting children out of doors and here they are, in the open and entertained in a safe environment, yet we are told to stop.” Daily Mirror 19/8/05.

Conker allergy nutty

PUPILS at two schools have been banned from playing conkers in case they suffer from a nut allergy. The headteachers feared children would suffer a nasty reaction just by touching them. But experts said the latest in a string of scares about kids playing conkers was simply bonkers. Headteacher Gary Postlethwaite acted after a number of parents of kids at Bookwell Primary School in Egremont, Cumbria, said they were worried about the danger. “We have some children in school with severe nut allergies and children have been told not to bring conkers in.” But Sue Higgs, spokeswoman for the Anaphylaxis Campaign which helps people with allergies, said: “This seems an over-reaction. In all of our years of experience we have never come across anyone who has had a severe reaction to a conker.” The Sun 7/10/04.

Condom push blown

VOLUNTEER workers in the Lothians have been banned from issuing condoms to under-16s despite a rise in the number of teenage pregnancies. NHS Lothian ruled that only staff on the official payroll could hand out contraceptives and advice to under-16s. It said restricting contact to “suitably trained people” would ensure the safety and protection of children. Critics claimed hundreds of teenagers would be at risk of falling pregnant or catching sexually transmitted diseases. Dr Dean Marshall, deputy chairman of the BMA’s Scottish GP committee, said the NHS was becoming “risk averse”. He said: “My concern is that child protection is used frequently as a reason for doing things.” The Family Planning Association in Scotland also condemned the decision. Director Tim Street said it was a “great shame” that child protection issues were making it more difficult to put the message across to young people. BBC News 22/5/06.

Guard sacked for stopping suicide

A COURAGEOUS hospital security guard has been sacked - for dramatically saving a patient from a suicide leap. Dad-of-three Baid Tamoor, 34, climbed 15ft up scaffolding as the man prepared to jump off after tying a noose around his neck. Without thought for his own safety, hero Baid grappled with the mentally-ill patient and restrained him with the help of a paramedic. But instead of praising the guard, bosses fired him for breaking health and safety rules. Shocked Baid, who worked at Lewisham Hospital, South London, said: “I can't believe it. Why should I leave my job for saving someone’s life?” After the scaffolding rescue, Baid, of Kidbrooke, South London, was given a dressing down and suspended from work. He was then sacked by his employers, First Management Group. In a statement with Lewisham Hospital (right), the security firm said Baid’s actions were “a serious breach of health and safety regulations”. A spokesman for First Management added: “It may seem harsh and unfair. But our guards are employed to monitor security and report incidents to the police or fire service and not to risk their own safety.” Suicide Reference Library 2/07.

Crazy paving

A POLICE community support officer has been banned from walking large swathes of her beat because of the lack of pavements in the rural area. Mrs Pooley complained she felt unsafe because of the risk of being hit by vehicles as she pounded the streets. Senior officers at Gloucestershire Police agreed she should not walk the beat for “health and safety” reasons. Instead, she now makes her rounds by car through the narrow streets. The decision has been branded “crazy” by incredulous villagers in the communities of South Cerney and Cerney Wick, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Parish council clerk Maurice McKee asked: “Do criminals need footpaths to carry out crimes? And if they don’t, why do police need a footpath to patrol?” Pub landlord Martin Smith, who runs the Royal Oak in South Cerney, said: “It's crazy. We’re all up in arms about it. She should still be walking the streets. Why not - they have fluorescent jackets don’t they?” Daily Mail 21/10/06.

Topple test turnround

A CASH-strapped council has agreed to stump up the money to fix headstones flattened during ‘topple tests’ after furious protests from campaigners. Gosport councillors have confirmed they will find up to £100,000 to repair the graves after carrying out the controversial safety tests on memorials at the town’s Ann’s Hill Cemetery. It is welcome news for angry relatives who objected after seeing cherished gravestones toppled and then were told they had to pay for repairs. The bills sparked a political row. Council bosses had hoped the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would foot the bill, claiming the tests – designed to prevent anyone being injured from collapsing gravestones – were carried out on HSE advice. The News, Portsmouth, 14.2.07.

Hat ban 'mad'

POLICE have banned Wimbledon’s “mad hatters” from bringing their props to the side of the famous tennis courts as part of a major security overhaul. Condemned by Tim Henman’s fans as “miserable” and “killjoy”, the move comes as new anti-terrorist measures are introduced at this year’s tournament - including metal detectors, body searches of all spectators, and a bigger police presence. Even picnic hampers are banned. Superintendent Simon Ovens, in charge of security, said oversized hats that obscure peoples’ views will be confiscated. “We do not wish to spoil anyone’s enjoyment but want to ensure a safe championship for all.” Pippa Robinson, 35, said: “If Henman makes the semi-finals my husband would definitely want to be there with his Union flag hat on. He’ll be really upset about this.” But Jean Tyson, who runs the Topspin Henman fan club, said: “I’ll be glad to see klaxons banned because they drive me absolutely nuts, and large hats and flags can be very annoying if you are sitting behind them. I think the authorities are just trying to calm things down a bit. The tournament has a unique atmosphere and we don't want it to become like the Barmy Army.” Evening Standard 21/6/04.

Pat ride purged

A POSTMAN Pat kids’ ride has been removed by officials who say it is a hazard. For six years youngsters have enjoyed the red van outside a shoe shop but owner Sherryl Granger has been warned for not having a licence and posing a health and safety risk. She received a letter from precinct manager Shelley Filipi telling her to get rid of the ride at St Mary’s Place, Market Harborough. Mrs Granger said: “I have never known anything so petty. It’s just a van that rocks up and down to the Postman Pat tune. Thousands of children have ridden on it. Even more people have walked by and we have never a complaint.” Derbygripe.co.uk 2/07.

Quite as the grave

WIND chimes have been banned from a cemetery because of complaints about the noise. Hundreds of the chimes have been hung from trees by visiting mourners. Jeanette Monkley, who tends her grandparents’ graves, said: “It’s lovely when the wind is blowing.” But council health and safety officials in Newport, Gwent, have ruled they must all be removed. John Davies, who visits his brother’s grave, said: “I thought it was a hoax.” Daily Mirror 21/2/06.

Dive ban bombs

A CAMBRIDGE teenager has launched a petition to force a rethink over a weekend diving ban at the city’s Parkside Pools. Fifteen-year-old Colin Boys, who has been diving during weekend public swimming sessions at the pool since he was seven, is devastated at the new rules. James Etherington, head diving coach, said: “The diving board is a pretty dangerous piece of equipment and following various risk assessments we have decided to stop diving at times when the pool will be busy.” But Colin’s father Laurence, said: “I’d say it’s loony-leftiness taken to crazy extremes.” Cambridge Evening News 15/11/03.

OAP wire barb

A WOMAN of 93 who put up barbed wire around her home after repeated burglaries has been ordered to take it down because it could injure intruders. Ruby Barber’s family put up £450 worth of wire following three break-ins at her home in the Ryehill area of Northampton. But council officials have ordered them to take it down - because it could injure someone who “foolishly” tries to climb it. Mrs Barber’s son Burt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s around the perimeter of the garden and along the back of the bungalow. That stops them totally. I can’t see what else can be done unless they have a man standing guard there.” Without the barbed wire, he said, “you are giving a health and safety charter to burglars to allow them to get in without a problem.” BBC News 8/8/01.

Hard hat Santa

A SHOPPING centre Santa has been issued with a hard hat after local kids pelted him with mince pies. Mall boss Andrew MacKinnon says he is so worried about Santa’s safety that he has now decided to make him wear specially designed protective headgear, complete with funky reindeer antlers. He said: “We take the safety of our staff very seriously and have taken this somewhat drastic action to protect Santa from possible injury. Santa said: “I don’t want to let the children down so, even if it looks a bit odd, I will just have to wear my festive hard hat.” Mr MacKinnon added: “I think this was a bit of Christmas high jinks by the local neds. I look on it as a health and safety matter more than anything else.” This is not the first time Santa has been targeted by bah-humbug neds at The Paisley Centre. Last year Mr MacKinnon said Father Christmas was set upon by a group of yobs, only to retaliate by picking up a Christmas tree from his grotto and setting about his attackers. Paisley Daily Express 21/12/06.

Finger-licking bad

HEALTH officials have warned Britain’s TV chiefs to clean up their act. They claim the television cooks are flouting basic hygiene rules as they demonstrate their recipes. According to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Jamie Oliver tends to spray saliva over ingredients as he speaks. He is also accused of licking his fingers and then dipping them into dishes. Nigella Lawson is criticised for keeping her rings on whilst cooking, which health experts say encourages bacteria to lurk. Other chefs, particularly on BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook programme, have been singled out for failing to wash their hands. Another ‘dangerous’ practice is using the same chopping boards for raw meat and vegetables. Channel Four, which shows Nigella Bites, said Miss Lawson’s passion for food was more important than perfect adherence to hygiene rules. A spokesman said: “If we did exactly what should be done all viewers would see would be 30 minutes of Nigella washing her hands.” This is London 27/12/02.

Ladder awareness week

GLOUCESTER council is holding a meeting to warn people that ladders can be dangerous. The talk is part of National Ladders Week during which officials will also make spot checks on businesses to raise “ladder awareness”. The council said: “The most common causes of accidents include over-reaching, slipping from rungs or the ladder falling. But health and safety officers are not considering a ban on ladders in the workplace.” Derbygripe.co.uk 2/07.

Santa hats binned

BINMEN have been banned from wearing Santa hats - on health grounds. The refuse collectors in Kingston upon Hull have worn the traditional red hats for years. Now city council scrooges say “it does not create a professional impression of the council”. A spokesman for the East Yorkshire city said: “Employees can wear Christmas hats in their own time. Wearing them during work time does not create a professional impression. Further, there can be health and safety implications should hats get in the way of dangerous machinery operation.” The Sun 9/12/06.

Barmey bird ban

BIRDLOVERS Deborah and Graham Shearer can carry on feeding the birds in their garden after a council apology. The couple were warned by health and safety bosses not to give food to the feathered friends at their home in Simmondley, Glossop, after complaints. But High Peak council now says it will review its procedures. Mrs Shearer, who has been feeding birds since she was a teenager, said: “I’m just glad its finally been sorted out.” Council chiefs said there had been complaints that the birds were noisy and that birdseed might attract rats. Manchester Evening News 31/7/04.

Flags spell danger

A SHOPKEEPER has been ordered to remove his flags celebrating St George by council officials who say they breach health and safety rules. Phil Moffatt has been told the 20 flags hoisted from lampposts near his shop in Tuebrook, Liverpool, are dangerous. But Mr Moffatt, who named his shop after Winston Churchill, vowed to defy the ban with the bulldog spirit. Mr Moffatt, who has flown the flags from the same lampposts for the last five years, was ordered to remove them or face a £1,000 bill from Liverpool City Council. “It has really come to something when a proud Englishman can’t raise a few flags to celebrate St George’s Day,” he said. “They have never caused any safety problems, and it seems to me that someone in the council is flexing their powers of political correctness.” But a council spokesman said: “We are not trying to be spoilsports. There is a clear danger to Mr Moffatt himself and an obvious road safety hazard. The flags could distract drivers, fall off and hit cars or pedestrians and it could encourage others to follow suit.” BBC News 19/4/05.

Nut ban nuts

MILLIONS of families are to miss out on a longstanding Christmas tradition following a decision by supermarkets not to stock Brazil nuts. The nuts, popular with afternoon tea around the Christmas tree, have been judged a potential safety risk by the European Commission. Traces of a toxin that can cause liver cancer have been found in their shells. So the EC has decreed every batch imported from Brazil must be tested for the substance aflatoxin. Supermarkets claim the cost of destroying any shipments would be too high and are not willing to import them. Brazil nut kernels, used in nut mixtures and chocolate Brazil nuts, can still be imported from Bolivia and Peru. But Peter Morgan of the Combined Edible Nut Trade Association said: “Commercially it is now too risky to import them. The EU have put overly stringent limits on this without really good evidence.” Evening Standard 3/12/04.

Parties up in smoke

A COUNCIL has been labelled “killjoys” and “sad” after urging residents not to have family Guy Fawkes Night bonfires. It wants residents to put material they would have burned into garden composters instead. The Conservative-led Test Valley council in Hampshire, which covers a mainly rural area around Andover and Romsey, advised its rate-payers to consider the environmental impact of having bonfires on November 5. It suggests attending an organised bonfire party as an alternative. “Bonfires can cause annoyance to neighbours, and every year the council receives many complaints about bonfire nuisances,” it said. But Daniel Busk, a farmer and a member of the council’s executive, said he would be ignoring the advice and hoped to have it rescinded. “This is typical of the nanny state taking all the fun out of life,” he said. “This is an absolute joke: bloody stupid, ridiculous. It is much better to burn your leaves in the garden than drive your car somewhere using petrol.” Daily Telegraph 22/10/05.

Too cool for cats

SCENES that appear to glamorise smoking are to be edited out of Tom and Jerry cartoons following complaints to Ofcom, the broadcasting watchdog, because they are not appropriate to be shown to children. The complaint was about two cartoons - Texas Tom and Tennis Chumps - transmitted on Turner Broadcasting’s children's channel, Boomerang. More than half (56%) of the channel’s audience are aged four to 14. In Texas Tom, Tom tries to impress a female cat by making a rollup cigarette while Tennis Chumps sees Tom’s opponent in a match smoking a large cigar. Turner said it would edit out any references in Tom and Jerry and all its 1,700 Hanna Barbera cartoons in which smoking appeared to be condoned. But the broadcaster said editing out all smoking references might adversely affect the “value of the animation”. Ofcom welcomed Turner's approach but said in future it would look at all such cases individually. The Guardian 22/8/06.

Egg box mix-up

EGG BOXES are to return to craft lessons at an East Sussex school after they were banned over health fears. The head of Wallands Primary School, in Lewes, said he had been enforcing the ban, believing the reason was a risk of spreading salmonella. After meeting county council chiefs, he said he would soon be able to let pupils use the egg boxes again. But East Sussex County Council said it had never banned the materials at any school and there had been a mix-up. Brian Davies, head teacher at the school, said he had been stopping pupils bringing in egg boxes or used toilet rolls for several years. He said he was told they were unsafe by the council and thought it was due to fears that salmonella could be spread to the schoolchildren. Mr Davies said: “It’s the sort of thing we get the whole time these days.” BBC News 21/6/05.

Council grabs conkers

CHILDREN are now being denied the autumnal pleasure of collecting conkers as council workers will be there ahead of them in the supposed interests of health and safety. Rather than risk children damaging themselves or property by collecting the horse chestnuts, Newcastle Upon Tyne City Council is responding to residents’ requests to get to them first. Taxpayers are funding the operation by the council’s environmental services team to use a cherry picker crane to strip trees bare of conkers before children can get their hands on them. But members of the public have been stunned by the sight of the conker-picking team at work. Martin Callanan, the north-east’s Tory MEP, said: “Words fail me. It’s the nanny state gone mad. I used to collect conkers as a lad and I never injured myself and nor did any of my friends. There must be better things they could do with their time. They could clean the streets for a start.” Evening Standard 10/10/06.

Smoke out Granny

NURSING home staff have told patient Gladys Gornall to go outside if she wants a cigarette - even though she’s 93. But wheelchair-bound Gladys, who only began smoking ten years ago when she was widowed, fumed: “I’ll catch my death out there. I should at least be allowed to have a fag in my own room - I am an adult, after all.” Bosses said the indoor smoking ban at Norwood Lodge in Portishead, Somerset, was a health and safety issue. The People 22/6/06.

Party parts pooper

THE PERILS of holding a Christmas party have been spelt out by safety campaigners, urging firms to make sure their staff do not injure themselves by dancing on desks or photocopying parts of their body. Similarly, managers have been advised not to put up any mistletoe, in case it leads to complaints of sexual harassment. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the TUC have published a special checklist, saying that while they weren’t being “party poopers” they wanted to lessen the chances of workers ending up in hospital after a festive bash. They warn that candles, flaming puddings and smoking should all be banned at Christmas parties. Stepladders should be used to put up decorations, as using a swivel chair could cause an accident. And workers should resist the temptation to photocopy parts of their body, because of the risk of glass in painful places if the machine breaks. Mail on Sunday 10/12/04.

Big Ted ban

ENORMOUS teddies given as prizes in gambling arcades are facing extinction after being labelled too much of a temptation. Ministers fear the huge cuddly toys are so appealing they could lure youngsters into a lifetime of gambling. They say the furry animals must be downsized to reduce the risk. But the plans have been ridiculed by opposition politicians, who are accusing the government of running a nanny state. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport argues that young people should still be allowed to play at the arcades but believes the prizes should not be too big. A spokesman said: “The Government believes that children should be able to play these machines but the stakes and prizes should discourage them playing too much.” This is London 26/1/05.

Desperate safety measure

ONE OF the UK’s most popular comics has been taken off the shelves at a leading airport as part of a security crack-down. Security staff have ordered copies of The Dandy - made famous by cowboy Desperate Dan - to be withdrawn from Birmingham International Airport because a free toy gun is being given away. The bright blue-and-yellow plastic “punch-gun” toy was attached to hundreds of copies of the comic, and the airport fear it could be used as a weapon to hijack a plane. But the Dandy’s publishers branded the decision “a hysterical over-reaction” after security officers said the cheap plastic toy was not suitable for sale within the airport terminal. A spokesman for DC Thomson said: “It’s obviously a toy and nothing more. It might be mildly irritating if a kid fired it at your head over and over, but it’s hardly a weapon of mass destruction. I don’t think a terrorist would get very far if he tried to hijack a plane with a free toy from The Dandy. I know they have to be strict about security at airports but this ruling is just ridiculous. It's a hysterical over-reaction.” The Birmingham Post 28/2/03.

Primary pencils chopped

A SCHOOL has banned children from taking pencil cases into class in case they are used to hide sharp weapons. St Anne’s Primary School in Denton, Greater Manchester, acted after a boy was cut with a letter opener. Nick Seaton, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: “Most parents will think it is ridiculous to ban pencil cases just because one child carries a letter opener in his. It seems a bit extreme. Serious action should be taken against the particular individual, but to ban pencil cases universally is silly.” Derbygripe.co.uk 2/07.

Xmas switch off

THE seaside town of Scarborough has cancelled plans to switch on its Christmas lights after fears of a compensation claim if anyone was injured. The problems began when North Yorkshire Fire Service claimed the town centre could cope with only 2,000 visitors. The decision has outraged residents, who condemned it as yet another intrusion of the ‘nanny state’. Penny Marsden, an independent councilor and shopkeeper, said the whole thing was ‘a joke’. She said: ‘It is another result of the ill-thought-out regulations imposed by the government. This is a joyous occasion when children come out to enjoy the start of Christmas - and we are going to rob them of it.’ Town centre manager Malcolm Hall said he had tried to obtain anti-surge barriers and stewards, but had failed. ‘We’re all bitterly disappointed, but the health and safety of people is paramount,’ he added. Evening Standard 13/11/06.

School missile alert

PUPILS have been banned from throwing paper planes to one another - in case they get injured. Staff at a Kent primary school have instead set up special targets in the playground for the children to aim at. The edict follows claims by teachers that a few of the school’s pupils, aged between three and 11, had been “over-zealous” in launching the missiles. The headteacher argued the ban was “a sensible” measure - but parents of some of the 230 pupils reacted with disbelief. One father of a seven-year-old boy said: “I’ve heard it all now. We made paper planes and our parents did the same and I never heard of anyone getting hurt. It’s taking the health-and-safety measures to absurd lengths. Heaven knows what they will think to ban next.” Staff at Bishops Down Primary School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, introduced the ban after two pupils were seen aiming their paper planes at other children. Headteacher Emma Savage said staff were particularly concerned about eye injuries. “These planes can have sharp edges and have the potential to damage a young person’s eyes,” she said. Daily Mail 18/6/06.

OAP explosion fear

A SICK pensioner who relies on an oxygen cylinder to breathe has been banned from her local club - because she’s a fire hazard. Smoker Gillian Western, 66, has been barred from the Royal British Legion in case her life-saving cylinder explodes. Wheelchair-user Gillian, who suffers from chronic bronchial asthma, said: “I have been a member for more than 25 years and have been going in there with the cylinder for two years. I think they are just being petty." Jeff Harrison of the Royal British Legion in Cheshire said it was the committee's decision on how they run the club. “There is a health and safety difficulty because of smoking. Therefore they have asked her to keep out. It’s as simple as that.” The Sun 16/12/04.

Jellies stamped out

JELLY mini-cup sweets have been banned by a European directive because of a risk of children choking. The sweets are packaged in plastic cups and designed to be swallowed in one. The EU commission said they were a risk because of their “consistency, shape and form” and that warnings alone were not enough to protect children. But opponents said the ban was disproportionate and there was no evidence of a danger to children’s health. The jelly sweets contain additives derived from seaweed or certain gums. They are individual, mouth-sized servings and may contain a small piece of preserved fruit, including apple and mango. They are designed to be projected into the mouth by exerting pressure on the semi-rigid container and then eaten in one single bite. However, Tory MEP John Bowis, Conservative health spokesman in the European Parliament, said: “This decision by the commission is completely over the top and disproportionate.” BBC News 3/4/04.

Plane crazy

A FAMILY was dumped off a plane because “jobsworth” cabin crew wouldn’t let a three-month-old baby sit on a kind-hearted passenger’s knee in case he was abused. When Ann Jordan was told she couldn’t fly because she had the wrong safety seat for daughter Azrael, another passenger offered to look after baby Kaleb so the family could stay onboard. But the captain refused and ordered the family off, citing “child protection laws”. Angry mum-of-two Ann, 35, of Rutherglen Road, Red House, Sunderland, said: “It was insulting, not just to me but to the passenger who wanted to help.” Low budget airline Easy Jet defended its pilot, saying he was complying with policy. It also says the crew was right not to compromise passengers’ safety. Housewife Ann was flying from Bristol to Newcastle, after visiting family in Cardiff. She was marched off the plane in tears as concerned passengers tried to negotiate with staff. Ann said: “He could easily have allowed the baby to sit next to me on the kind lady’s knee where I could keep a close eye, but he was too much of a jobsworth.” Sunderland Echo 13/2/07.

Put out no flags

FLYING flags from the MPs’ office building near the House of Commons has been banned - because it’s too dangerous. Health and safety experts say it is unsafe for workers to put up flags on the flagpole at Portcullis House. Flag raisers have to climb over ventilation ducts in poor light, all without a safety harness. It means a flag has been flown only once since the problem-plagued building for MPs and their staffs opened in 2000. Labour MP John Spellar said: “This is a case of bungling bureaucrats and architects not thinking things through.” Sunday Mirror 28/1/07.

One snack too many

A BOY aged 10 has been banned from his school dining hall because his packed lunch broke the government’s healthy eating guidelines. The father of Ryan Stupples is protesting after his son was forced to eat in the headmaster’s office at Lunsford primary school, Larkfield, Kent, because his lunch contained two snacks, instead of one. Ryan’s lunch consisted of a sandwich, fruit, fromage frais, cake, mini cheese biscuits and a bottle of water. The cake and the biscuits broke the snack limit. They were discovered when a teacher checked his lunch box. The boy’s father, Michael Stupples, 41, said: “What 10-year-old boy won’t get upset when he’s thrown out of a dining hall in front of everyone and made to eat his lunch in the head teacher’s office?” Malcolm Goddard, the headmaster, said: “We take healthy eating very seriously and everyone is aware of our new policies.” Daily Telegraph 14/10/06.

Pub bans glasses

A GIRL of six was left in tears after being barred from a pub playground - for wearing glasses. Lauren Brown was told it was a safety issue. But her mum Sarah said Lauren couldn’t see without her specs. Angry Sarah added: “She was so upset.” The Cherry Orchard pub in Woodchurch, Wirral, has apologised. The People 5/3/06.

Ambulance weighting

HEAVY patients could be banned from riding in emergency ambulances in the Bristol area. The public service workers’ union Unison has warned ambulance crews they risk breaking the law by exceeding vehicle weight limits. Union leaders are raising the prospect of a ban on anyone over 18st 8lbs (260lbs) travelling in an emergency vehicle in the Avon Ambulance Trust area. The bid to enforce the strict limits could also mean patients are forced to travel without accompanying relatives while midwives may be banned from travelling with pregnant women. BBC News 14/8/02.

OAP abuse worry

ROTARIANS, the pillars of local respectability, have been told they can no longer carry out charitable work with the old or the young while alone. The club, whose motto is Service Above Self, has decreed members must be accompanied when helping children or pensioners in case they are accused of abusing them. In a decision which has outraged many of the 58,000 British and Irish Rotarians, the Club Board has issued the instructions to local groups after being told insurance premiums against legal action would be “sky high” if they did not follow the pairing system. A Rotary Club spokesman said the organisation had reluctantly introduced the measures after receiving legal advice. “It is a case of having a witness present at all times, as a response to the nanny state we live in,” he said. This is London 4/11/06.

End of the line for spotters

HORDES of angry train spotters are letting off steam over news that their number could soon be up. Security and safety issues have led to fears that rail companies will ban the UK’s 100,000 spotters from stations. A report in Railway Magazine highlighted a number of worrying platform problems. One man was told to leave Britain’s biggest interchange, Clapham Junction in South London, because he was “breaching security”. Railway Magazine editor Nick Pigott said: “The authorities are picking on a harmless hobby that has never caused a problem. It is a total breach of civil liberties.” Colin Smith, 52, from Bermondsey, South East London, said: “Sod ’em all. I’ve been doing this since I was six and nobody’s going to stop me.” The Sun 30/5/03.

Wimbledon flap

PATRIOTIC tennis fans have been banned from waving national flags at Wimbledon - because of fears over health and safety. Wimbledon authorities confiscated scores of England flags from fans watching Tim Henman’s opening match at the tennis championship. They said they were removing all flags larger than 2ft by 2ft for “health and safety” reasons - claiming the flags’ poles could be dangerous. Matt Pateman, 23, from Bedfordshire, was using his 3ft by 2ft St George’s Cross flag as a mat to sit on, but was told to put it in his bag or risk confiscation. He said: “I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t even waving it around - I was only sitting on it.” Paul Lewis, 28, a business manager from Chiswick, West London, said: “There is no way that I was a danger to anybody. I wasn’t even waving my flag: I was just holding it in my hands. I think it is ridiculous that they can that having a flag is dangerous.” A spokesman for the All England Lawn Tennis Club said: “The poles could cause injury to those sitting around.” Daily Mail 27/6/06.

No to yo-ball

THE government has banned a controversial new toy, the yo-ball - the first ban on a toy for more than a decade. Trading standards officers across the country have been warning of the dangers of the toys, fluid-filled brightly coloured plastic balls on rubber strings. The officers said there was a risk that children could be strangled if the string became wrapped around their necks, because it constricts. A spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry said: “The supply of yo-balls is banned with immediate effect after tests have shown that the toy could pose a risk of strangulation.” Evening Standard 24/4/03.

No flowers

GRIEVING families have been banned from planting flowers at death crash scenes - because they’re a safety hazard. Mini-gardens built as tributes to victims will be dug up and wreaths allowed at a site for only 30 days, warns Thurrock Council, Essex. It said: “We respect the need for people to grieve. But others are putting their lives at risk to place flowers or visit permanent tributes.” But one angry dad said: “It’s nonsense and disrespectful.” The People 20/8/06.

Doubt over dung catcher

BLACKPOOL’S landau horses will not be wearing nappies in time for the start of this holiday season. The future of the dung-catching devices has been thrown into doubt after councillors were told they could pose a serious health and safety threat. David Muir, equine consultant to the RSPCA told a council meeting: “What if the horse panics, puts its leg back, gets caught in the device and three people end up dead? We have to do a lot more research into the pros and cons of these devices before we put them on horses.” The delay in making horses wear nappies has come as a blow to Town Hall bosses, who hoped their introduction would put an end to the smelly problem of horse muck on the Promenade. Horse vet Barry Johnson said: “Any piece of equipment added to a horse carries extra risks and the nappy is no exception.” If the nappies are deemed too dangerous to wear, the future of the traditional Blackpool landau will be thrown into doubt. Blackpool Gazette 10/2/07.

Safety curtain call

IS THIS a dagger I see before me? Or is it “an object which is designed for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm” and therefore unfit for the British stage? According to new guidelines published by the Health and Safety Executive, Macbeth would do well to consult a qualified armourer and slip into some protective clothing before conjuring up a potentially dangerous sharpened object in the corridors of Dunsinane. The guidance sets out to enlighten thespians on the “management” of props in theatre, film and television. In a section entitled “Noise”, the executive stumbles upon the truth that “firearms can produce very high levels” of it. On page five, the document states that “it is worth noting that wood, plastic or rubber weapons may be hazardous if used in a stabbing or lunging mode”. It also adds that standing in front of a loaded crossbow may carry serious health implications. Members of the entertainment industry are bewildered. Malcolm Ranson, a fight choreographer who specialises in period sword play, said that the recommendations - including the revelation that performers’ shoes “should fit correctly”- were obvious. “Most people would look at this and say it’s all common sense,” he said. “You sometimes wonder who it’s actually aimed at.” The Management of Firearms and Other Weapons In Productions is one of 20 information pamphlets released in connection with the entertainment industry. The Times 27/10/03.

Church kites grounded

ROSSENDALE council has grounded a fundraising kite contest organised by a local curch. The event was to be held to mark the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan where kite flying had also been banned. The council said accident and damage insurance documents had not been completed. As the church was planning to charge an entry fee and the event was to be staged on council land, they could not grant permission. The Rev. Ron Phillips of Sion Baptist Church, who organized the event, said: “We could not help but make the comparison to what the Taliban did and this. It seems surprising that you need permission for something as simple and harmless as kite-flying. It was disappointing, but I understand the concerns of Rossendale Council.” Owen Williams, the council’s chief executive, said: “Any event which charges people to participate has to be covered by public liability insurance. It does not matter what activity is taking place. Public liability is even needed for bouncy castles.” Manchester Evening News 14/10/04.

High risk Xmas

OFFICE workers at Tower Hamlets council have been banned from hanging up Christmas decorations at work in case they get hurt. Staff who have just moved into a newly-opened office building next to the town hall were barred via email from climbing to the ceiling to put up paper decorations in case they injure themselves and then sue the council. Fairy lights have also been banned in a bid to cut power bills and ensure safety standards. Mini-Christmas trees, tinsel and baubles are still allowed - provided there are no lights. The council insisted it had not cancelled Christmas, however, saying it intended only to staff not to climb on to desks to put up decorations for fear they would fall. Staff could still celebrate Christmas with tinsel, baubles, and other decorations, the council said. Daily Mail 23/11/06.

Building cover-up

THE government will decide whether or not UK builders will be banned from working bare-chested after MEPs voted to pass the buck. The European Commission’s controversial Optical Radiation Directive was designed to protect workers exposed to X-rays or welding equipment. But an attempt to extend the EU legislation to cover “natural” radiation - sunlight - was watered down after claims that Britain’s construction workerswould be forced to cover up at work. Conservative MEP Philip Bushill-Matthews said the tan-ban idea was “barmy”, adding: “This raised the prospect of fully clothed lifeguards in open-air swimming pools.” The Sun 7/9/05.

Weighty problem

A GROUP of flower enthusiasts has been hit with a ban on hanging baskets after fears they posed a public risk. For almost two decades hanging baskets have been a part of Bury St Edmunds’ summer floral displays. But this year they will be absent from the Suffolk town after the council ruled there was a risk they could fall from lampposts and injure the public. The council felt the town’s lampposts could not cope with the added weight of the pots of soil and could break. Michael Ames, chairman of the Bury in Bloom committee, said the ban by Suffolk County Council was pointless. “They are guarding their own backs over health and safety,” he said. “But no-one has been hurt - certainly not in Bury St Edmunds, certainly not in Suffolk.” Guy Smith, assistant highways manager for the council, said they just wanted to ensure the safety of the public as some baskets were quite heavy. The council felt they could present a safety hazard on some of the older lampposts. “We have to be satisfied that the columns are strong and stable enough to take the weight,” he said. BBC News 10/2/04.