People should do a good deed by clearing ice for family friends and neighbours and ignore ‘bogus’ health and safety warnings.
That was the message from Lord Freud as temperatures hit their lowest for the winter this week.
The health and safety minister said the Government is introducing a ‘Good Samaritan law’.
This is to protect people who intervene in good faith to help someone else in difficulty from prosecution or legal action.
Similar legislation operates in Australia where it has reduced the potential for negligence claims against doctors and emergency workers, as well as ordinary members of the public.
Lord Freud said people would not be sued or held responsible if someone fell and injured themselves on a path or pavement they had cleared.
“People need to be aware that they will not be reprimanded for doing a good deed by clearing ice and snow,” he said.
“The truth is very simple: you can clear ice and snow from footpaths and pavements but always be careful that you don’t put yourself in danger.
“Countless lives have been saved and injuries prevented because of robust health and safety practices. But bogus excuses give real safety laws a bad name and stop people from taking action.”
Chair of the Health and Safety Executive Judith Hackitt said: “Anyone can clear ice and snow from public spaces, so don’t be put off because you’re afraid someone will get injured.
“Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to themselves to be careful.”