Reports are heard every year of disgruntled office workers who have been banned from putting up decorations during the festive period because of 'elf and safety. However, the myths surrounding office decorations and health and safety rules are being challenged by the Minister responsible for health and safety, Mike Penning.
Mr Penning said, "Every year, I hear of more bonkers "excuses" that ban hard-working people from the traditional hanging of Christmas decorations at work - which does nothing more than spoil the festive fun. My message to everyone is - use your common sense. Don't just invent a health and safety myth because you think it's easier than giving a real reason - this gives real safety rules a bad name."
Anyone who hears of a bogus health and safety excuse around the festive period has been encouraged to get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Myth Busting Challenge Panel, which has been working hard since its establishment to put the record straight about health and safety rules.
The HSE has said that there are no regulations preventing decorations being hung at work, although here at Cedrec we would always encourage you to use safe practices when decorations are up in the office. For instance:
