At Nationwide we take safety very seriously and always do our best to provide a safe service to our customers. We do this in a variety of ways:

Machine Inspection

All equipment available to hire from Nationwide Access undergoes a strict inspection programme:

• Every machine undergoes a pre-delivery inspection before being released for hire from a Nationwide depot. If the machine fails the inspection it will be removed from the hire register until it has been repaired and passes a repeat inspection.

• Every machine in Nationwide's fleet is subject to a planned maintenance programme which meets the manufacturer's specification.

• Each machine in our fleet also undergoes a 'thorough examination' by an independent external assessment company every six months.

• Telescopic booms will also undergo a periodic boom extension inspection.

Other Safety Measures

• Nationwide offers a formal hand-over or Familiarisation Service to customers hiring a self-operated machine. Customers requiring this can simply book this free-of-charge service at the time of placing their hire. On completion of the Familiarisation Hand-Over, they will then sign a Certificate of Familiarisation to acknowledge that they are familiar with the safe working and operating limitations of the equipment.

• We are always pleased to assist our customers with any information and help they may need, and recommend and carry out 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.

• Nationwide has produced 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 Nationwide training course.

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

Protecting our people!

At Nationwide Access we recognise the crucial role our employees play in the success of our business, and are committed to ensuring their safety and welfare while they are at work. Our health and safety policy ensures that we meet the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health & Safety at Work regulations 1999.

To help us achieve the safest working environment possible for our employees, and in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1996, Nationwide has an appointed Company Safety Committee comprising one of each of the following :

• Board Level Director
  
• Safety Manager
  
• Depot Manager
  
• Service Manager
  
• Depot Workshop Foreman/Supervisor
  
• Hire Controller

The main remit of this committee is to

• Ensure all hazards and risks associated with work activities are identified then eliminated or reduced to a practical level.
• Provide a safe working environment, which eliminates or reduces the risks to the health and safety of our employees.
• Provide suitable facilities and equipment to protect the health and safety of our employees and other persons.
• Provide adequate welfare facilities for our employees.
• Ensure all Nationwide employees are provided with the information, instruction and training necessary to ensure the safe completion of their tasks, and to create a safe working environment for themselves and the people around them.

Our Safety Policy Statement

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 Logistics and Support Services Director responsible for safety is appointed by the Chairman to be the competent person to assist him 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.

Hugh Cole
Managing Director