http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/myth-busting/index.htm
Case 303 - Burger van refuses to cut burger in half
Issue
Enquirer was queuing at a burger van when the customer in front of them received their freshly cooked food and asked if one of the burgers could be cut in half as it was for her children. The stall owner immediately said "Can't do that - health and safety. We're just not allowed to do that." They accepted this excuse and left with the burger intact.
Panel decision
This is not a health and safety matter; there is no legislation which would prevent the stall from meeting the customer’s reasonable request to have their burger cut in half. Health and safety law does not prevent catering staff from using knives, in fact you expect them to know how use them safely. The panel have a real beef with this kind of unhelpful response to customers which completely misuses "health and safety".
Case 297 - Barefoot customer not allowed in supermarket store
Issue
Enquirer had a swollen foot making it painful to wear footwear and was struggling to walk. The doctor recommended buying some frozen peas to help with the swelling. However, on their way home from Accident & Emergency and entering a supermarket store without shoes on they were told by the security guard that they could not enter the store because 'one, there's food and two, it's health and safety'. Enquirer questioned what exactly he meant but was told it was 'just his job'.
Panel decision
There is no workplace Health and Safety legislation that would prevent a customer from entering a shop barefoot. The company are entitled to impose a dress code if they wish, however they should not use Health & Safety as an excuse to do so.
It would have been helpful to everyone to use some common sense, explain the store’s policy to the customer clearly, and then offer to assist the customer, who was clearly in difficulty thereby enhancing the reputation of the company and individual.
The panel is not surprised that the customer was left hopping mad.