So very true. One of my clients is in the rail sector and it is used all the time - by track staff not wanting to work (too dark, too wet, too hot) etc and also to justify expenditure that would not normally be justifiable.

A bit OT, but I underwent the standard trackside safety training course (3 days) late last year. A fundamental point is anyone can refuse to work without any retribution if they feel they are being asked to do something they feel could be a danger to themselves or others. An excellent and sound safety principle IMHO - BUT this is now being seriously abused by some staff who just don't feel like going out sometimes (the too dark, too wet, too hot argument is trotted out continuously)

Anyone ever wondered why rail travel is so expensive in the UK and there are so many weekend and bank holiday closures??. A fairly large contributing factor is the UK's way OTT H&S policies compared to other countries

As Oyster said, mention the word "safety" as a justification for any action and it rarely gets challenged.