Health and Safety Executive

Myth: All park benches must be replaced because they are 3 inches too low

May 2008

Inspectors measuring a bench on which a woman is sitting

The reality

When we heard this story it really took us by surprise. How could there be health & safety law on this? The simple answer is, there isn’t.

'It seems that the story originated from a decision by a facility manager and has no basis in health and safety law at all. There are no such bench height requirements and HSE will definitely not be sending our inspectors around measuring the benches!

Well, it looks like Britain’s park benches will survive after all!

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Health and Safety Executive
Caerphilly Business Park
Caerphilly CF83 3GG

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Updated 01.07.09