Health & Safety in the Hire Industry

The hire industry comes with a unique set of health and safety responsibilities. Whether you're hiring out tools, plant, equipment or event infrastructure there is a combination of legal requirements, industry best practice and customer expectations to consider. We look at how to manage these responsibilities effectively to protect your employees, customers and business reputation.

What are my main health & safety responsibilities?

Hire businesses are responsible not only for the safety of their own employees but also for ensuring equipment supplied to customers is safe, properly maintained and fit for use.

What is the relevant legislation?

A number of regulations may apply depending on the nature of your operations, including:

• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Working at Height Regulations
• Control of Noise at Work Regulations
• Vibration at Work Regulations
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations

For more than 20 years, we have worked closely with the Hire Association Europe (HAE) and Event Hire Association (EHA), supporting businesses across the hire sector with practical advice, compliance support and workplace training. Many HAE and EHA members may also undergo a SafeHire Audit, which assesses both legal compliance and industry best practice.

Where are the most common health & safety risks and how can I minimise them?

Every hire business is different, but some risks appear more frequently than others:

• Loading and Unloading Activities

Many of the more serious incidents in the hire industry occur during loading and unloading operations. Common risks include:

• Ramps that are not correctly secured during loading
• Equipment moving unexpectedly during transport
• Falls from tail lifts or trailers
• Accessing vehicle cabs, low loaders and loading areas
• Poorly secured loads

These activities often involve multiple hazards at the same time, making planning and supervision particularly important.

• Manual Handling

Moving equipment by hand remains one of the most common causes of workplace injury. This can include:

• Lifting tools and equipment into vehicles
• Moving heavy items across site
• Pushing and pulling cages
• Handling machinery and plant equipment

Training, suitable equipment and good working practices can all help reduce the risk of injury.

• Slips, Trips and Falls

Goods-in areas can quickly become busy environments, particularly when equipment is being returned, inspected and prepared for rehire. Common causes include:

• Poor housekeeping
• Trailing cables and hoses
• Equipment left in walkways
• Spillages and leaks
• Congested work areas

Keeping workspaces organised and maintaining good housekeeping standards can significantly reduce these risks.

• Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Before equipment is hired out again, it must often be cleaned, inspected, repaired or tested. These activities can introduce additional hazards, including:

• Cuts and abrasions
• Electrical risks
• Burns
• Contact with hazardous substances

Employees carrying out maintenance activities should be properly trained and understand the risks involved.

Are there other risks I should consider?

Some of the most significant risks in the hire industry are not always immediately visible. Hidden risks include:

• Fire Risks

Returned equipment may contain damaged electrical components, overheating parts or hidden faults that could create a fire risk after it has been returned.

• Hazardous Dusts

Equipment used in construction environments may be contaminated with substances such as silica dust or asbestos-containing materials. Safe cleaning and inspection procedures are essential to protect employees from exposure.

• Hazardous Substances and Biohazards

Returned equipment may have been exposed to chemicals, oils, fuels or biological contaminants. Appropriate cleaning procedures, PPE and COSHH controls should be in place to manage these risks.

• Load Security

Poorly-secured equipment can move during transport or fall from vehicles, creating risks for employees and other road users. With increasing focus from the DVSA on load security, businesses should ensure suitable systems and checks are in place.

What about processes and procedures?

Strong health and safety performance starts with good processes. From the moment equipment is returned to the point it is hired out again, there should be clear procedures covering:

• Inspection
• Cleaning
• Maintenance
• Testing
• Storage
• Dispatch

Employees should understand both the risks involved and their responsibilities.

Under PUWER, all equipment provided for hire must be safe for the end user. This means equipment should be properly maintained, inspected and suitable for its intended purpose. Employees should also be confident explaining safe use to customers, including any necessary PPE, operational guidance or training requirements.

Sometimes, the safest decision is to refuse a hire request. Many businesses adopt this approach where there are concerns about competence, safety or intended use.

How can Stallard Kane help?

Managing health and safety in the hire industry involves much more than maintaining equipment. It requires a clear understanding of workplace risks, employee responsibilities, compliance requirements and industry expectations.

We work with hire businesses across health and safety, training, fire safety and workplace compliance to help keep responsibilities manageable and support safer ways of working.

If you'd like advice on your current arrangements, SafeHire preparation or wider health and safety responsibilities, our team is here to help.

Health & Safety Team
healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk
01427 420 402