GOOD Samaritans were told they should feel free to clear streets of snow and ice without fear of being sued as freezing temperatures gripped parts of Britain yesterday.

The myth that “health and safety” laws could leave well-meaning neighbours liable if they clear paths during frosty conditions was debunked by officials, who are waging a crusade against the phrase’s misuse.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) chairwoman Judith Hackitt advised people not to “be put off because you’re afraid someone will get injured.”

It is down to those walking in icy conditions to be careful, she said.

The advice is the latest episode in HSE’s long-running campaign to combat misuse of the phrase, which has been wrongly used to justify everything from removing sticking plasters from first aid kits for “allergy” reasons, to barring a historical re-enactment society from chopping vegetables.

HSE is regularly forced to take time out from its lifesaving work to bust myths, as right-wing papers have long feasted on ludicrous headline cases where people have hidden behind alleged legislation to mask personal failings.

As a result of their scare propaganda the government has had a free hand to water down legislation and inspections that protect millions of workers in dangerous jobs.

Ms Hackitt said: “Health and safety legislation is designed to protect people where there is a genuine danger that someone could be killed or seriously injured, not to stop people from getting on with their lives.”