Why Do Health and Safety Standards Abroad Seem Worse Than in Britain?

When we travel abroad, many of us notice that health and safety standards don’t always match what we’re used to back home in Britain. From wobbly balcony railings to questionable food hygiene practices, it can sometimes feel like we’ve stepped into a world where risk assessments don’t exist. But why does this happen? And is Britain really that much safer, or are we just more cautious?

Man balancing on a balcony railing in Turkey

Different Cultural Attitudes to Risk

One of the biggest factors is cultural perception. The UK has a famously strict health and safety culture, shaped by decades of regulations, litigation, and public awareness campaigns. In many other countries, especially those with warmer climates and more relaxed lifestyles, there’s often a different attitude towards risk.

For example:

• Southern Europe: Cafés and bars might have uneven steps or loose wiring, but locals (and regular tourists) barely notice.

• Southeast Asia: Street food vendors may not refrigerate ingredients the way UK food outlets do, yet many travellers happily eat without issue.

• The Americas: Building codes vary widely, and in some places, enforcement is more relaxed than in Britain.

This doesn’t necessarily mean these places are "unsafe"—just that they prioritise different things, whether that’s convenience, tradition, or cost.

What could possibly go wrong here, on the island of Samos, Greece?

Economic Factors and Enforcement

Strict health and safety laws require strong enforcement, which isn’t always feasible in countries with limited resources. In some destinations:

• Regulations exist but aren’t enforced—either due to corruption, lack of inspectors, or simply because businesses can’t afford upgrades.

• Tourist areas may have better standards than local ones, creating a two-tier system where visitors see only part of the picture.

In Britain, businesses face heavy fines for non-compliance, and public awareness keeps pressure on authorities to act. That’s not always the case elsewhere.

The British "Nanny State" Reputation

Let’s be honest—the UK is often mocked for its over-the-top health and safety rules. While some regulations may seem excessive, they’ve also contributed to lower workplace fatalities and food poisoning rates than in many other countries.

When we travel, we’re suddenly exposed to environments where:

• Balconies don’t have child-proof railings

• Electrical wiring looks like a DIY project

• Road safety is… optional

It’s not that these places are inherently dangerous, but rather that they haven’t adopted the same precautionary approach as Britain.

Familiarity Breeds Comfort (and Complacency)

At home, we know what to expect. Abroad, everything feels unfamiliar, so we notice hazards more. A British pub might have a wet floor sign for a tiny spill, while a beach bar in Greece just mops up and carries on. One isn’t necessarily safer—it’s just a different way of dealing with risk.

So, Is Britain Really Safer?

In many measurable ways—workplace safety, food hygiene, building regulations—yes, the UK is often stricter. But that doesn’t mean everywhere else is a death trap. Many of the things that shock British tourists (like open manholes or unrefrigerated mayo) are just part of daily life in other cultures.

The Bottom Line

Health and safety standards vary worldwide, and while Britain’s approach is highly regulated, other countries balance risk differently. As travellers, it’s good to be aware—but not paranoid. After all, part of the adventure is experiencing a different way of life… even if that means holding onto the handrail a little tighter!

What’s the most surprising health and safety difference you’ve noticed abroad? Contact us