Safety

Health & Safety - Our Commitment to You

At Martin Plant Hire, health and safety is our top priority, both for our staff and our customers.

We operate under three guiding principles: co-operation, communication, and competence, applying these consistently in every aspect of our operations.

To further enhance safety, we’ve expanded our focus on working at height safety and other critical areas, ensuring that the equipment you hire or operate meets the highest safety standards.

We recognise six key issues that can impact both our team and customers. Our approach to each is rigorous, designed to minimise risk, maintain compliance, and promote a safe working environment.

If you have any questions or would like more information about our health and safety policies or services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is always ready to help.

  1. 1. Working at Height

    Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and major injuries in the UK (HSE).

    To prevent these avoidable accidents, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 define employer responsibilities, including risk assessment, equipment selection, safe usage, supervision, and training.

    At Martin Plant Hire, we’ve expanded our services and equipment range to enhance working at height safety, helping businesses comply with regulations and protect their workforce.

  2. 2. Dust

    Dust and airborne particles pose serious, often invisible health risks, including stone, wood, and asbestos fibres, as well as welding fumes and chemical vapours.

    Small particles are the most hazardous, potentially causing respiratory issues, skin conditions, or even cancer. Employers must control exposure through elimination, suppression, or mitigation.

    Martin Plant Hire offers a full range of dust control solutions, including suppression kits, fume extractors, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

    Note: PPE is not a replacement for equipment that reduces dust hazards: it’s an additional safeguard.

  3. 3. Manual Handling

    Incorrect lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, or carrying can result in musculoskeletal disorders, the most common work-related ill health in the UK.

    The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to:

    • Avoid hazardous manual handling wherever possible

    • Assess the risk if it cannot be avoided

    • Reduce risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable

    Our equipment range and training can minimise or eliminate manual handling risks, keeping your workforce safe and compliant.

  4. 4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

    Employers are legally required to provide PPE where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means.

    PPE includes any equipment worn or held at work to protect against health and safety hazards, such as:

    • Helmets

    • Gloves

    • Eye & ear protection

    • Harnesses

    • High-visibility clothing

    • Safety footwear

    Martin Plant Hire supplies a comprehensive range of PPE to ensure your team stays safe on site.

  5. 5. Noise

    Workplace noise can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other ear conditions. It also creates safety hazards by masking warnings and communication.

    Employers must assess and manage noise risks, using silenced equipment where possible and providing protective devices.

    Martin Plant Hire offers ear defenders, earplugs, and noise-reducing equipment across all depots to help businesses comply with HSE guidance.

  6. 6. Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)

    Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a serious risk for users of vibrating plant and tools.

    Martin Plant Hire has implemented the Hire Association Europe (HAE) HAV control system, providing:

    • Guidance for mitigating exposure

    • Verified vibration data for each hire item

    • Exposure action and limit values to ensure safe use

    • Integration with the HSE points-based exposure control system

    This system helps employers and end users protect themselves from long-term vibration-related injuries.

Our Values