Health & Safety

Willow Hire Health and Safety Policy.

Overview

The Health and Safety of our workforce and the workforce of our clients is of paramount importance to us at Willow Hire. We always work closely with our clients to ensure we meet their needs and to develop new innovations
to improve the safety of our machines and our operators.

Zero harm is our number one target and we are a firm believer that this is achievable through constant monitoring and improvement of our equipment. We monitor the behaviour and skills of our operatives to ensure every aspect of our company is improving consistently.

A number of features have been developed over the years to improve the safety of our machines in order to reduce and prevent accidents. Some of the Safety features on our equipment includes.


Mini Excavator Health and Safety

The following features are as standard on all of our plant:

  • Boom and Dipper check valves
  • Fall protection systems (Boxing rings above 8ton)
  • White noise and Travel alarms
  • Rear view camera (above 8ton)
  • Green Seat belt indication beacon
  • Tier 3B emissions as minimum requirement
  • Seat belt immobilisation of hydraulic system
  • 4 Digit immobiliser and tracker
  • Double locking fully automatic quick hitch

     

The following features are available on request:

  • Quick Hitch release alarms
  • All round vision camera systems (Standard on our HX range)
  • Height restrictors
  • Slew restrictors
  • Network rail compliant slew restrictors
  • Visual and audible Safe Load indicators
  • Chalwyn valves and spark arresters
  • Bio Degradeable hydraulic oil
  • Banksman remote cut off for Hydraulic system
  • Secondary deadman devices
  • Proximity warning system (tag)
  • 2D and 3D GPS systems
Transportation Trucks

Only by setting the highest standards for ourselves will we be able to retain the trust of our customers and the people using our infrastructure. We Have committed to a strong Health and safety policy that will allow us to reach our target of Zero accidents.

For us this means:

  • Zero fatalities
  • Zero permanently disabling injuries
  • Zero Minor accidents

Zero harm

Together we will share our capacity for innovation, creativity and application, to achieve this collective goal. We will only achieve it when each business adopts Zero Harm solutions that work most effectively for them and their people.

The Elements of the Zero Harm Framework are Supported by the Following Commitments:

Eliminating fatal risks
Our business will identify fatal risks and establish Zero Harm design, management and behavioural protocols to eliminate them.

Eliminating hazards
Our business will identify and plan out hazards in all activities they undertake.

Maintaining Zero Harm day to day
Our business will establish and maintain management, monitoring, review, audit and assurance systems geared for Zero Harm.

Keeping the public safe from harm
Our business will manage and maintain Zero Harm levels of separation, security, monitoring and stewardship to safeguard members of the public from exposure to our hazards.

Keeping all of our people healthy
Our business will conduct health checks and health risk assessments to ensure there is no long-term harm to health from working in our business.

Working with our customers
Our business will enlist the support and co-operation of customers to achieve Zero Harm.

Making safety personal
Our business and the people within them will make safety personal.

View Accreditation

Achilles Building Confidence

Achilles Building Confidence are a partner of choice for supply chain risk and performance management in Natural Resources, Industrials and Infrastructure sectors. Achilles run supplier pre-qualification programmes, validate data, carry out industry audits and mitigate risks.

They also offer innovative products, services and training in supply chain management. Buyers and Suppliers form lasting business partnerships in industry communities unique to Achilles.

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National Federation of Demolition Contractors

The most powerful voice in the demolition industry, the NFDC has championed the standards and professionalism of its members for more than 75 years.

Backed up with regular member audits to assure expertise is maintained and reinforced, NFDC’s added value lies in the peace of mind and reduced risk it strives to assure for anyone planning or commissioning a demolition project.

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CPA (Construction Plant-Hire Association)

CPA is the UK’s principal point of contact for all issues relating to use of construction plant.
CPA works with government departments and agencies, local authorities, construction clients, private companies, other trade associations, and third-sector organisations.

Health and safety
CPA places a great importance on employee health and safety, and meets regularly with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on both policy and implementation matters. HSE specialists are an integral part of the work of all CPA’s Special Interest Groups.

Training and skills
CPA works closely with CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board, and other awarding bodies in construction. CPA has been instrumental in the development of National Occupational Standards, training schemes and competence testing through the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS).

The CPA Model Conditions for plant hire agreements are fair to both hire company and customer: they clarify each party’s responsibilities, and are well respected within the industry.

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ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. With annual audits, we aim to continuously improve and adapt our management system surpass our customer’s expectations.

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RISQS

The Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) is the supplier pre-qualification service used by buyers of all products and services throughout the GB rail industry.

With gaining this accreditation, M O’Brien can supply a vast range of compliant Civils Plant to the Rail Industry on both an Operated and Self Drive basis.

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RHA

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the interests of the road haulage industry. It is the only trade association in the United Kingdom dedicated solely to road haulage. As a trade association, the RHA is responsible for campaigning, advice, training, information and business services for its members within the UK haulage industry, including audits, risk assessments and contracts of employment.

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FORS

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme that promotes best practice for commercial vehicle operators. With over 4,700 members, FORS is gaining recognition as the transport industry’s go-to accreditation scheme. FORS encompasses all aspects of safety, efficiency, and environmental protection by encouraging and training fleet operators to measure, monitor and improve performance. FORS provides accreditation pathways for operators of any type, and for those organisations that award contracts and specify transport requirements.

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CBH

Constructing Better Health (CBH) was started after a need was identified to radically improve the health of the UK’s construction industry workforce. For too long the ‘health’ in construction health and safety had been undermined in our industry and workers’ health was suffering as a result. CBH have improved occupational health in construction by setting a nationally recognised standard for occupational health management in construction.

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CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Community Safety)

CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Community Safety) is a national Standard that requires all stakeholders in construction to take responsibility for health & safety beyond the hoardings. It demands collaborative action to prevent fatal or serious collisions between vehicles servicing construction projects and vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

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Constructionline

Constructionline work alongside a huge range of suppliers and buyers, giving members like us access to a validated pool of high quality suppliers. Not only does this ensure that we work alongside approved and accredited partners, it also supports local economies.

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Supply Chain Sustainability School

The Supply Chain Sustainability School is an award winning industry wide collaboration, that allows you to access training in 5 different areas: Sustainability, Offsite, BIM, Lean and Management.

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M O'Brien Group of Companies:

Learn more about how our group of companies is made up and the services we provide.