Myth 241 - Shop door left open in cold weather

The issue raised in HSE myth-busters challenge panel case 241 concerned an open shop door.  On trying to close a shop door that was left open in cold weather the enquirer was told that the door had to remain open to allow wheelchair users access, apparently this had come from 'Health and Safety'.

Considering the facts, the panel decided that health and safety at work legislation does not require shops to keep their doors open for wheelchair users. The company has confirmed that it has an ‘open doors’ policy, but has made clear that this has nothing to do with health and safety or wheelchair access. It is a business decision.  It is not clear whether the shop assistant was aware of the reason for the policy or not, but the company should ensure that the employees understand and do not mislead customers by using health and safety as a catch-all excuse.