Abstract: The invention is a safety bench press apparatus which prevents injuries as a consequence of a dropping or otherwise uncontrolled impact of the bar bell upon a weight lifter. The apparatus can be installed as an accessory to the weight lifting bench or as an integrated component of the bench. The apparatus comprises two vertical side support members which are disposed on each side of and parallel to the bench press. The upper surface of the support members are configured to provide an inclined portion which inclines upwardly away from the shoulders of the weight lifter (anterior portion of the bench) towards the foot (posterior portion of the bench) and terminates in a holding portion which is provided with a retainer member which functions to hold the bar bell in fixed position when placed in the holding portion. In one embodiment of the invention the vertical support members are provided with retainer members which prevent the bar bell from rolling or sliding off the inclined surfaces.