At Nationwide Platforms we take safety very seriously to ensure both our customers and our employees are provided with the safest possible services, work equipment and working environment.

SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

General

The company will so far as is reasonably practicable, take all measures to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees and other people who may be affected by its operations.

This Policy is the direct concern of the board of directors and other senior managers and will be actively pursued so as to ensure that all measures are implemented.  The health and safety manager is the competent person to assist the managing director in the implementation of the policy.

This statement will be brought to the notice of all employees who will be actively encouraged to submit ideas for improving the general standards of health, safety and welfare at sites, works and offices.

Andy Wright

UK Group Chief Executive

Reviewed 2nd January 2008

Policy

We have detailed Safety Management System based on the principles outlined in HSG 65 (HSE guidance document). The systems and processes in the manual have been developed over several years with the full consultation of Senior Management, the Quality Health and Safety Team and all employees. In doing so, we have ensured that Nationwide Platforms has: -

• Agreement and participation of everyone in the company
• Practical but efficient safe systems of work
• Ensured safety is an integral part of the whole business
• The ability to provide the customer with a consistently safe service

These systems and practices are regularly audited and fully accredited by nationally accreditation schemes including: -

• Achilles UVDB Verify
• Achilles Link-Up
• Safe Contractor
• CHAS

We also welcome customers who, by prior appointment, wish to audit any of our locations and practices as part of their Safety and Quality assurance procedures.

As well as our Safety Policy and Procedures we at Nationwide Platforms are proud to work to a set of ten guiding principles. These have become part of our work ethic and are embedded into every day work activities for all employees. Just one of the reasons our safety performance is continually improving year on year.

Profit or performance will never be given priority over the safety of our employees and our customers

There will be a safe system of work used for each of our activities

The same safety standards and considerations will be extended to all site visitors and sub-contractors.

Work equipment will never be provided or used in an unsafe or non–compliant condition.

No legal statutes or Company QHSE policies and procedures will be knowingly breached.

QHSE must be an agenda item and its performance must be subject to rigorous review at each formal management meeting

All accidents, incidents and near hits will be reported and investigated to the point of preventative action.

Never turn a blind eye to QHSE standards being compromised.

Always set a good personal example and always promote a positive safety culture.

All employees should be empowered to stop any unsafe practice immediately.

 Work at Height Regulations 

 Falls from height

Preventing Falls

 IPAF Harness Guidance

Inspecting of Harnesses

Energy absorbing lanyards

Using work equipment safely

Simple Guide to PUWER 

Simple Guide to LOLER

IPAF Familirisation Statement

The safe and effective use of MEWPS and Tree work

 MEWP's for Tree work

Working near aerodromes 

The Selection and Management of MEWP's

Machine Use

Nationwide Platforms makes every effort to make hiring an access platform as safe as it can. Ultimately however, the hiring customer is responsible for the safe use and operation of the machine, including the safety of those that could be affected by its actions.

It is the responsibility of the hiring customer to ensure a full risk assessment is carried out and suitable control measures implemented, to eliminate/minimize any risks prior to any work commencing with the MEWP.

RoSPA Award

Lavendon Access Services are awarded a RoSPA Silver award ........read more

Legislation

Nationwide Platforms embraces all legislation designed to improve safe working conditions and practices. Wherever possible we implement working procedures in an attempt to exceed the minimum standards of compliance.

Some of the current Safety legislation and guidance referring to MEWPs may be confusing to those not involved in the industry. Nationwide Platform Managers, supported by the QHSE team can provide customers with the expert advice and guidance needed when selecting a MEWP and any relevant PPE for use.

Machines Inspection

It is a legal requirement for all machines to have:

• Thorough examinations
• Intermediate inspections
• Daily checks

So here at Nationwide Platforms all equipment available for hire undergoes a strict inspection programme by our team of experienced engineers.

Every Machine in our hire fleet undergoes a Thorough Examination by an independent external assessment company at least every six months

Every machine in our hire fleet is subject to a planned maintenance programme which meets and in many cases, exceeds manufacturers specifications

Every machine has to meet the high standards as set by our Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) before being authorised as available for hire.

Customer Care

Operator Training

We are always pleased to assist our customers with any information and help they may need.

Nationwide Platforms recommends and conducts high quality training in the safe and effective use of powered access equipment.

Training to IPAF or CiTB standard is available to all our customers, either at one of our training centres strategically located throughout the country, or at the customer's premises or on site, assuming suitable facilities are available.

Our experienced instructors offer fully accredited courses designed to help anyone who: -

Plans, supervises or manages the use of MEWPs – MEWPs for Managers

Operators any of the many categories and types of MEWP – Operator Training

Needs to select and/or use a safety harnesses in MEWP – Harness selection, inspection and use

Nationwide Access provides an Operator's Safety Guide, endorsed by IPAF, to guide our customers in the safe use of powered access platforms and working at height. This is issued to customers on completion of any of our MEWP related training courses.

Familiarisation

Nationwide Platforms offers a formal hand-over or Familiarisation Service to customers hiring a self-operated machine. Customers requiring this can simply book the service when placing their hire order. On completion of the Familiarisation Hand-Over, they will then sign a Certificate of Familiarisation. This is not and should not be taken as evidence of training. A Certificate of Familiarisation signed by the person accepting responsibility for the machine is to acknowledge that they are aware of: -

• Manufacturers written instructions and warnings
• Control functions
• Safety devices
• Emergency lowering procedures

Familiarisation is recommended where an operator will use a machine, which varies significantly from that which they were formally trained on.

Protecting our people!

The safest possible working environment along with care and consideration of our colleagues lies at the heart of our values. There is no question that, as well as the discomfort and pain that accidents and injuries cause, poor levels of Health and Safety can have a serious effect on our business

At Nationwide Platforms we recognise the vital role our employees play in the success of your business and ours. Through the Training Academy we identify and facilitate instruction and training to ensure all employees have the knowledge and competencies to fulfil their potential whilst ensuring their safety and welfare at work.

Employees partake in an independently elected People’s Forum representing all employees.

Employee health and safety involvement is guaranteed at depot level with the appointment of a "Safety Champion" in each and every work location.

In 2008 we have introduced a number of key safety rules and further initiatives will be rolled out in 2009 and beyond as well as teaming up with RoSPA the UK’s leading campaigners for accident prevention both at work and home.

We shall continue to invest in health and safety for the benefit of our staff and customers alike together we can make work a safer place and look out for one another.

After  all….

Safety Starts with YOU