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Last broadcast on Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 20:30 on BBC News Channel (see all broadcasts).
Synopsis
Health and safety began with the noble aim of protecting workers from dangerous conditions in heavy industry. Nowadays, health and safety officials seem ready to pounce on all aspects of our working lives, from building work to the sound levels musicians can play at, or even the weight and size of our gravestones.
The culture has been driven by lawyers encouraging claims for almost any accident, while leaving just 125 inspectors to enforce safety on building sites across the UK.
Panorama investigates why the deadly serious matter of health and safety has become a laughing stock.

About May Contain Nuts...
Has Britain's health and safety culture spiralled out of control? Quentin Letts learns how to climb a ladder to find out.
Britain's zeal for health & safety
Quentin Letts offers his take on whether health and safety rules defy common sense.
Farmers, Forms and Frustrations
One farmer tells Quentin Letts about his frustration with what he sees as Health and Safety bureaucracy.
Health and Safety Executive responds to the farmer's concerns
Safety Quiz: Don't trip up...
Panorama explores Britain's health and safety culture. Take our true or false quiz and find out if you fall at the first hurdle.
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Credits
- Presenter
- Jeremy Vine
- Participant
- Quentin Letts
- Producer
- Angie Mason
Broadcasts
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Mon 20 Apr 200920:30
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Thu 23 Apr 200904:30
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Fri 24 Apr 200900:30
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Fri 24 Apr 200901:00
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Sun 26 Apr 200920:30
