With graduation season fast upon us we thought it was appropriate to take a look back on one of the HSE’s re-occurring health and safety myths: a ban on throwing mortar boards at graduation ceremonies.
University graduates are often disappointed to learn that there is a ‘ban’ on throwing their mortarboards in the air, in celebration of becoming graduates. This ban is more than often put down to health and safety reasons.
The HSE are tired of health and safety being used as a scapegoat for other motives. So, they have attempted to bust this myth and hopefully put an end to it (well, at least for a few more years).
Where does the tradition come from?
First though, let’s take a look at why there is a long standing tradition of throwing mortar boards. Apparently, we have the US Naval Academy to thank for this tradition. In 1912 the US Navy gave their new graduates their officers’ hats as they graduated, replacing the midshipmen’s caps that they had worn for the last four years. In gratitude the new officers threw their old caps in the air. Other students heard about this and it didn’t take long for them to follow suit.
Why do universities ban students throwing mortarboards?
There are a few different reasons why universities ban this tradition, but their reasons are rarely all due to safety. Some popular reasons include: companies that hire the gowns and caps not wanting their caps to be returned damaged; fear of losing the mortarboard you have hired or bought; ensuring that everyone present has an enjoyable time as they might not want to take part in the tradition, and finally putting students at harm as they fall back to the ground.
The university in question, The University of East Anglia, does in this case have a genuine concern for safety. They are concerned due to students suffering injuries as a result of the tradition over the last few years. The university has asked that during the large group photographs the photographer doesn’t ask students to throw their mortar boards. However, the university will allow small groups of students to carry out the tradition on the premises if they so wish. The photographer has also said they will, for a small fee, Photoshop the mortarboards into a photograph if the students are prepared to mime.
In years to come it wouldn’t be surprising that along with hiring their gowns students could be handed out PPE workwear like safety googles and hard hats! It is disappointing to read the list of universities across the country which have let this much loved tradition pass by.
The Solution
Geoff Cox, leader of the HSE public sector team has responded to these health and safety claims, stating:
“You’d think universities would study history and do a bit of research before repeating tired health and safety myths like this one. The banning of mortar board tossing on supposed ‘health and safety’ grounds is one of our most popular myths and actually appears in our Top 10 all-time worst health and safety excuses.
“As far back as 2008, HSE made clear the law does not stop graduates having fun and celebrating their success in the time-honoured fashion. The chance of being injured by a flying mortar board is incredibly small and it’s over-the-top to impose an outright ban. We usually find the concern is actually about the hats being returned in good condition.”
It is clear by the HSE’s response that they think there is little reason to prevent the tradition from continuing as it has done for many years. Injuries that may result from throwing mortarboards are rare and not likely to cause major harm. Perhaps it should be down to the discretion of the graduate and whether they want to take part in the tradition? Or perhaps there should be a first aider on standby (just in case)? Tell us your thoughts on this health and safety myth, we’d love to hear from you.
References
Health and Safety Executive (2016) Available at: https://press.hse.gov.uk/ [Accessed 24th June 2016]