HSE has issued revised safety guidance for those supplying, buying or hiring inflatable play equipment such as bouncy castles following several high-profile incidents in recent years where children have been killed and injured while playing on such equipment.
Features
HSE issues safety advice on bouncy castles
By
on 01 February 2019
HSE has issued revised safety guidance for those supplying, buying or hiring inflatable play equipment such as bouncy castles following several high-profile incidents in recent years where children have been killed and injured while playing on such equipment.
The guidance provides advice on topics such as ways of ensuring the inflatable has undergone the appropriate safety tests; the correct set-up of the equipment; the appropriate use of anchorage points and the maximum safe wind speed in which an inflatable can be used.
HSE announced plans to review its guidance on the correct operation and inspection of play inflatables following a number of high profile incidents over the last two years. This included the death of a seven-year-old girl after a poorly anchored bouncy castle blew away from its moorings at an Easter fair in Harlow, Essex, in March 2016.
An HSE spokesperson said: “Recognising concern around this issue, we have carried out significant engagement with the industry, including representatives of both fairground operators and inspection bodies. We have shared the updated guidance with our colleagues in the local authorities.
“We will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders across the fairground and entertainment industry, including inflatable devices, to keep visitors safe.”
FEATURES
Why delegation is becoming a workplace wellbeing issue
By Chloe Miller, CC Consulting on 15 May 2026
Delegation of tasks can support mental wellbeing, as providing workers with an element of control and allowing them to use their skills and initiative has been shown to make people more resilient to stress. However, it is essential managers have the skills and confidence to delegate work in an effective and supportive manner.
Employers have every reason to support older workers
By Tracy Riddell, Centre for Ageing Better on 07 May 2026
Workers over the age of 50 comprise nearly one third of the entire UK workforce, and they’re essential to the economy. Employers therefore have an imperative to recruit – and retain – older workers.
How to create an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent employees
By Gabrielle Taylor, Mates in Mind on 13 May 2026
Neurodivergent people bring a unique set of talents to the workplace, but it’s essential employers work with them to make appropriate adjustments to working environments, technology and job roles to enable them to thrive.