Health and safety in groundcare

In order to further raise health and safety standards in the groundcare industry, A-Plant has launched a major campaign entitled ‘Making Your Safety Our Priority.’ Believed to be one of the largest initiatives of its kind in the hire industry, A-Plant has produced a comprehensive safety pack comprising folders, posters, stickers, Hand-Arm Vibration leaflets and an extensive 60-page health and safety handbook.
The health and safety drive represents a significant investment by A-Plant and follows research amongst customers which has identified a need to build awareness of safety and compliance with new regulations. The free safety pack gives a wealth of information on a range of subjects – from Hand-Arm Vibration Safety and working in confined spaces to manual handling and the safe use of access scaffolds and ladders. A-Plant offers a vast range of groundcare equipment for hire, including grass cutting, lawncare, ground maintenance and forestry management equipment.
In the area of Hand-Arm Vibration Safety, A-Plant has an ongoing commitment to provide customers with vibration-reduced power tools and equipment and the company has invested in equipment with reduced vibration outputs. In conjunction with Hire Association Europe (HAE), A-Plant has adopted the ‘Traffic Light’ method of indicating possible risks to prolonged exposure to vibration and the company is hosting a series of health and safety themed Open Days nationwide.
Richard Winfield, A-Plant’s Performance Standards Director, said, “We have introduced the ‘Making Your Safety Our Priority’ campaign following extensive research in order to help our customers comply with relevant legislation and to ensure health and safety at work. This is a major commitment by A-Plant and reflects the added-value benefits we can offer our customers.”
The campaign complements a range of existing initiatives A-Plant is carrying out on the health and safety front through its safety training centre and courses. A-Plant is part of FTSE 250 company, Ashtead Group plc, the leading UK and US equipment outsourcer.
A-Plant is committed to providing the best hire service in Europe and this is reinforced by the company’s website at www.aplant.com which provides a definitive online guide for the equipment hire industry.