12-05-2008
HSE seeks to dispel bench height myth
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has sought to refute a myth relating to the nation's numerous park benches.
Potentially affecting tradesmen within a number of different sectors, the myth suggested that all of the UK's park benches would need to be replaced as, under the country's existing health and safety legislation, they are currently three inches too low.
However, the HSE has confirmed that legislation governing the height of park-based benches does not exist.
"There are no such bench height requirements and HSE will definitely not be sending our inspectors around measuring the benches," said the HSE.
"It seems that the story originated from a decision by a facility manager."
Announced as part of the organisation's myth of the month series, the HSE has also issued a number of other notices confirming - among other things - that hanging baskets and stepladders are not illegal.