Horizon Platforms Hosts MEWP Safety Day to Improve Rescue Preparedness

30 Second Takeaway

UK access specialist Horizon Platforms has delivered a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) awareness and rescue safety day at a Marks & Spencer site in Putney, London. The session highlighted gaps between written rescue plans and real-world execution, reinforcing the importance of hands-on training, machine familiarity, and practical rescue planning for site leadership teams.

Improving MEWP Safety Through Practical Training

Horizon Platforms has hosted a MEWP awareness and rescue safety day at a Marks & Spencer site in Putney, London, aimed at improving rescue preparedness and machine familiarisation on live construction and maintenance sites.

The session was organised at the request of Sigma M&E for senior members of the Marks & Spencer Continuous Improvement Group (MSCIG). Attendees included site managers, project managers, health and safety professionals, and construction managers working across projects nationwide.

Identifying Gaps in Rescue Preparedness

When Paper Plans Meet Real Equipment

The safety day identified that while most projects had documented rescue plans in place, these plans were often impractical and not well understood by those expected to carry them out. Many supervisors lacked hands-on experience operating MEWPs and rarely practised rescue procedures using the machines deployed on site.

To address this gap, Horizon Platforms incorporated a practical rescue exercise, allowing participants to experience real-world rescue scenarios. The exercise highlighted reduced confidence levels and unfamiliarity when working with live equipment, reinforcing the need for practical exposure rather than purely written procedures.

Live Site Learning Environment

Real-World Challenges Highlighted

Delivering the training in a live retail construction environment helped expose additional challenges, including site congestion, restricted access, and mixed competence levels among personnel. These factors demonstrated how rescue plans can be affected by everyday site conditions that are often not reflected in standard documentation.

Matt Fray, head of retail sales at Horizon Platforms, explained the recurring issue seen across projects.

“What we consistently see is that rescue planning exists on paper, but the people expected to carry it out often haven't had the opportunity to practise it on the machines they're actually using.”

Practical Tools and Ongoing Learning

Simplifying Rescue Procedures

As part of the session, Horizon Platforms introduced a simplified rescue process flow chart, designed to provide clearer guidance than traditional written procedures. Participants reported that the visual approach improved understanding and usability during potential emergency situations.

Attendees were also granted access to Horizon Platforms’ online ‘MEWPs for Managers’ training course, supporting continued learning and improved safety awareness beyond the on-site session.

About Horizon Platforms

Horizon Platforms is a UK-based provider of powered access equipment and training services, supporting construction, retail, and industrial sectors. The company focuses on improving safety outcomes through equipment supply, operator training, and practical, site-specific safety initiatives.

Website: https://www.horizonplatforms.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of Horizon Platforms’ safety day?

The safety day aimed to improve awareness of MEWP rescue procedures and highlight gaps between written rescue plans and real-world execution through hands-on training.

Who attended the MEWP awareness and rescue session?

The session was attended by senior members of the Marks & Spencer Continuous Improvement Group, including site, project, health and safety, and construction managers.

What key issues were identified during the training?

The training identified limited hands-on experience with MEWPs, low confidence in rescue execution, and rescue plans that were not always practical or well understood.

How did Horizon Platforms address these challenges?

By delivering practical rescue exercises, introducing a simplified rescue process flow chart, and providing access to ongoing online training resources.

What additional training was provided to participants?

Participants received access to Horizon Platforms’ online ‘MEWPs for Managers’ course to support continued learning and improved safety management.