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News release

14 September 2011 - NR 43/11

MPs backed over concerns about school field trips

MPs were right to voice fears today over the provision of school science experiments and field trips, said health and safety’s main professional body.

The Commons Science and Technology Committee said many children were missing out on the chance to carry out science practicals and study the subject outside the classroom.

It warned that while there was no credible evidence that health and safety rules are preventing experiments and trips, teachers may be using the regulations as an excuse.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) welcomed the findings of the committee’s inquiry, which was set up to look at concerns that health and safety rules were preventing practical work and lessons outside the classroom environment.

The concerns amounted to a “misconceived” perception, the inquiry found.

IOSH head of policy and public affairs Richard Jones said: “We greatly welcome this report. The findings echo our long-held view, and the comments made by Employment Minister Chris Grayling last month, that health and safety legislation can be misinterpreted as an excuse for banning activities.

“We are particularly supportive of the comments made about making sure health and safety is not used as a convenient excuse in schools and colleges to stop experiments and activities taking place outside of the classroom.

“It’s very important for the development of young people that they are exposed in a controlled way to risks and issues.”

IOSH has told the Government that it agrees with the principle of simplifying the process that schools follow before taking children on trips.

School students should get to try out new experiences away from the confines of the classroom – and be encouraged to learn to think independently.

Teaching children to be risk-savvy will set them up for life – however, a cut in red tape must not mean a cut in the quality of care we offer our children, said the Institution in its response to the Government review of health and safety in the UK last year.

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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.