The health and safety 'myth squad "When people hear about children being ordered to wear goggles to play conkers or the dangers of candy floss on a stick, it undermines public confidence in the true task of health and safety, which is to manage serious risks to life and limb in Britain's workplaces," said Ms Hackitt. I am determined that the panel will help to put the spotlight on the worst health and safety myths and ensure that people give an honest account for their decisions. The HSE said that health and safety rules had been wrongly invoked to stop "pin the tail on the donkey" games; to ban selling candy floss on a stick in case customers tripped and impaled themselves; and to replace park benches because they measured up three inches too low. Some of the most infamous cases have focused on protecting children in schools, in response to teachers" unions claiming that their members were at risk of being sued if pupils injured themselves. Children in some areas have been told to wear clip-on ties, in case they are strangled by the traditionally knotted versions, while others have been told that they can only play conkers if they wear safety goggles. Chris Grayling, the employment minister, said that "daft" decisions were often the result of "jobsworth" staff, rather than any legal requirements. "We want people who are told they cannot put up bunting or they cannot play conkers to know that there is no basis in law for such rulings," he said. Common sense is the key to successful health and safety. The Myth Busters Challenge Panel will advise people where they think local authorities, insurance companies or schools have got it wrong.