Unfortunately the UK, and some parts of the world, are becoming a 'Risk assessment', 'HSE' nightmare. As I see it, the only real reason behind it all these days is purely for economic reasons, ie not wanting to get sued in this litigious society we now find ourselves living in.
Well done Paul Waugh for having the balls to do what you felt right at the time. Pity those guys in the management positions, not at the coalface, who seem to lose touch with reality at times.