Before anyone states 'The Truth' about Earthing / Grounding, please be precise about which system(s) and regulations you refer to!
It is simply NOT the case that the majority of UK mains-supply 'Earth connections' are to 'The Earth' as such, via (a) grounding rod(s). Most are in fact clamped to Neutral at the electrical intake. But you need to understand all the implications of exactly which type of supply arrangement is involved before saying anything about safety, or what else should, or should not, be the case. In UK, there are several different supply configurations. In the US and elsewhere, YMMV. And, if you get it wrong, also your potential lifespan!