Why a high-spec machine is the foundation of modern site safety
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Walk onto any major construction site, quarry, or recycling plant in the UK, and you’ll see the signs: ‘X Days Since Last Incident’. It’s more than just a sign though; it’s a critical KPI. For our customers, safety is the number one priority, because anywhere that heavy equipment is operating is a potentially dangerous environment.
As their long-term partner, we understand the contribution we can make towards achieving their safety goals. It involves ensuring every machine we send to site is high-quality, in perfect working condition, and equipped with the latest safety features.
But we also know from 50 years in the equipment rental business that machine technology can only go so far in improving safety. It must go hand in hand with robust processes and the commitment from every individual on site to stay alert, develop their skills, and help minimise risk.
The foundation: premium, high-spec equipment
We see our part of that shared responsibility as providing premium rental equipment that goes above the standard factory specification, and we’re proactively rolling out a suite of advanced safety features across our fleet.
This includes 360° cameras and human form detection (HFD) systems that help operators overcome blind spots and be aware of any person(s) in the vicinity of their machine. On our larger loading shovels, we’re also fitting reverse-by-braking with collision mitigation systems that can automatically stop the machine if someone gets too close. Because a collision between a 40 tonne wheel loader and a person is rarely an accident, it’s a fatality.
This ‘SER spec’ also extends to official certifications. This year, we have introduced the Thorough Examination certificate for all our equipment over one year old - it’s like an MOT for plant - and we ensure full compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) for any machines used for lifting, such as loading shovels with forks or material handlers or excavators with a lifting eye.
Building on the foundation: operator skill
But even the best-equipped machine is only as safe as the person in the cab and we take this very seriously. When we provide a manned hire, we rigorously check that every operator is fully accredited with the right license for the equipment they will operate and provide all the documentation to our customers for their own verification.
Technology can certainly enhance an operator’s skill. The advanced grade control on our new Caterpillar D5 and D6 dozers uses 3D site models to automate blade movements. This can be a useful tool to improve an operator’s performance and focus, but it still works best when combined with experience and awareness.
The final piece: a culture of awareness
Beyond technology and operator skill, every site needs a culture of awareness where each individual takes responsibility for keeping themself and everyone around them safe. This is where systems such as the digital thumbs up kit we’re making standard across our fleet are so valuable. It facilitates clearer communication between operators and people outside the cab and isolates the machine’s drive function when the operator signals that it’s okay to approach, creating a defined safe zone.
The future of site safety
Heavy equipment technology continues to evolve, and I have no doubt that the safety features we are retrofitting to our rental fleet today will become standard factory-fit from premium OEMs in the next two to three years, much like satnavs in cars.
And while the long-term future may involve more automation or remote operation in some very specific, controlled environments, the dynamic and unpredictable nature of most jobsites means skilled operators will still be essential for many years to come.
Ultimately, our promise to any site manager is that SER will be your partner in building a safer site. We will always provide a strong foundation - a young, premium fleet equipped with the best safety technology on the market - so you can focus on building the rest.
