When we first moved here, we noticed an unusually large number of insurance commercials. They present themselves on television, newspapers, internet, and anytime you make a major purchase. Just the other day, I was persuaded to take out health insurance for my pet (which I don't have). One of the most common insurance policies here is trip insurance, protecting you from things that may occur on your holiday (vacation). Many of you know I am married to a statistician and I have been made fully aware the profit that is made on insurance in general. I am not poking fun, but just pointing out general differences in here and my home country.
In one of the local newspapers today, Dave and I came across a British tackling a subject very near to insurance--risk assessment. Apparently, the British have gone so far limiting any risks to themselves that people are denying themselves even the simplest of pleasures. Amuse yourselves:
Teachers told not to hand out plasters (bandaids) in case of allergic reactions
Manufacturers of peanuts must stamp bags with a warning that they "may contain nuts"
Children forced to ride inflatable sheep at a donkey derby
Hanging baskets were banned in case they fell on people's heads
Children told to wear goggles when playing with nuts from fallen trees
Children banned from using egg cartons in art class in case they catch salmonella
And a personal experience: We had a guy over to look at a leaky roof, but he wouldn't go up there because there weren't handrails to hang onto
Way too risky, don't you think?
Don't I Look Smashing?!
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