I’D like to point out that contrary to Harry Mead’s comment in his recent column, headed “Icy pointer to slippery slope…”

(Echo, Jan 13) – and other press reports – that the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has not issued guidance to businesses not to grit or clear snow from public paths.

The story, which originally ran in the Sunday Telegraph and Mail on Sunday, incorrectly attributed advice from elsewhere as being IOSH guidance.

Our view is that businesses and communities should do the right thing by clearing snow and ice from public areas if they choose to and can do so properly.

Doing a good job on this will help make life easier for businesses, and safer for staff and visitors to their premises, as well as passers-by – being a good neighbour can help prevent needless trips, slips and falls.

Health and safety has been saddled with an unfortunate reputation and, sadly, this seems to have been yet another case of media myth-making at the expense of a profession that just wants to keep people free from harm.

Rob Strange, Chief Executive, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, Wigston, Leicestershire