Playing by the Rules: How Our Obsession with Safety Is Putting Us All at Risk Paperback – March 1, 2016

I heard Ms. Brown on the Something You Should Know podcast and I was intrigued. Something she said struck a chord with me, so I decided to buy the book. I'm glad I did! I hope many, many more people read this book.

A thought provoking insight into the rules and regulations around Health,Safety and security and where best interests may precariously lie. I Loved it.

Should be read by everyone who is being driven insane by the arrant stupidity around them. I add to this myself. When asked for personal details, I say no. You should see the surprised look on people's faces - never been told no before. If I want whomsoever to be able to contact me, I give name (or only part of name) and landline number. No mobs, DOBs, or anything else. I was actually asked by a charity I donate to if I could give mobile or email, when I asked why, they said "for verification purposes". I asked to verify what and she couldn't tell me. I said if she needed to verify she was talking to me and I was asked again I would stop donations. (So Amazon don't you ask me any impertinent questions).

Very well written and on point. Great subject, well handled

Well researched and interesting to read. I'd recommend the book to others.

nice read with some funny and serious things to think about

This is a great book. It confirmed many deep suspicions I had about the culture around 'safety and security' and has armed me with some ideas and attitude to deal with the worst of its excesses. It is readable and amusing and finds many great examples of lazy thinking or misguided actions with good intentions and unintended consequences.It would potentially be a depressing read if it were not for the powerful examples of those who worked to fight the insanity of petty rules and expensive and illogical actions to achieve zero risk. Many 'laugh out loud' moments. ( I read this in hardback so no comment on the kindle formatting)

Libro apparentemente ovvio, in realtà lo specchio del tempo in cui viviamo: pieni di regole che sembra abbiano lo scopo di abituarci a non utilizzare la ragione.Spero in una traduzione dall'inglese, a costo di farla io stesso per dare maggiore diffusione.

This is a well researched and well written book that all staff engaged on security or any service to the Public should read. It clearly sets out the absurdity of so called security and health and safety of the modern world. It is not a polemic against sensible precautions, the writer is well aware of the way that unions and employers have introduced polices and procedures that mean that we are all far safer from harm in the work place and the design of products which keep us safe, but the book does raise important issues about the 'theatre of security' which blight everyone's lives imposed often by unthinking staff. The book asks us to challenge the assumptions and wrong headed logic about why these rules are imposed, not by having a rant at the poor souls who are often as uncomfortable about imposing the ridiculous policies as you are about abiding with them, but by a sensible dialogue with the people who insist on them from the back office.

Great book on the topic. It clarifies doubts we've all had on "safety" measures, while also giving you an idea on what has been done to stop the madness that somettimes takes hold. Of course, the book also fills you with a burning rage as you are reminded of useless, irritating and costly procedures that cannot be stopped any time soon, or of many instances in which confrontation occurs with bullheaded officials. I don't think my blood preassure has ever been so high while reading a book.

Unlike the previous reviewer, I actually have read the book. The main thrust is not an attack on health and safety but rather it's wilful distortion by public bodies and others to the point of absurdity. The authors highlight the 'theatre of security' which allows space for consultants to sell solutions to spurious threats. This, together with the fear of litigation, results in the disproportionate response which have no basis in law or common sense. The point the authors wish to reinforce is that the public need to challenge such misuse and insist that those responsible justify their official policies, but more importantly change them to reflect reality.In summary, an amusing and exasperating read, but one that offers useful advice to anyone who has ever wondered, Why? That just doesn't make sense!

Pretty standard fare about questioning the authority of rules vs laws. In this time of media driven hyperinflation of fear, this book could be the antidote.