ERA launched health and safety ‘toolbox’ for rental

The European Rental Association (ERA) has introduced an occupational safety and health (OSH) Toolbox, providing industry-specific advice with the aim of improving workplace safety and reducing risks.

The toolbox - which is free and can be downloaded here - provides statistics, ‎benchmarks, and best practices on both accidents and health issues of employees in the ‎equipment rental sector. ERA said it will provide the basis for future systematic benchmarks in the area of OSH ‎in the rental industry.

Included in the document are health and safety statistics for 2022 from nine major rental companies in Europe.‎

“ERA plans to pursue statistical research on accidents over the years 2023 and 2024, starting end of 2025/early 2026, to establish a credible benchmark for the industry”, said the association.

“By leveraging industry benchmarking, structured safety policies, and shared best practices, companies can not only ensure compliance but also create a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment.

The OSH Toolbox has three key chapters, each addressing a critical aspect of workplace safety:

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the framework, including the ERA OSH Purpose Statement, a template for rental company OSH policies, and a structured approach to integrating safety into corporate culture.

Chapter 2 focuses on accidents, incorporating benchmarking data from 22,000 employees across nine leading rental companies, accident statistics from 2022, and industry best practices to help companies mitigate risks.

Chapter 3 highlights workplace health issues, offering insights into occupational health risks and practical recommendations for improving employee well-being. Said ERA; “By compiling real-world data and standardised processes, the OSH Toolbox eliminates redundancy and provides rental companies with ready-to-use materials for immediate implementation.”

The toolbox has been developed in response to the ERA Board’s strategic commitment to enhancing safety, the ERA Occupational Health and Safety Toolbox is the place to go for rental companies for ‎all know-how and sector specific health and safety data in the rental industry.

ERA added that the initiative aligns with EU regulatory frameworks, including the 89/391/EEC Directive on worker health and safety and the 92/57/EEC Directive specific to the construction sector, helping rental companies navigate compliance more effectively.

It said the toolbox will provide support for companies to meet ESRS-S2 (Workers in the Value Chain) requirements; “The ERA encourages all rental businesses to adopt the OSH Toolbox as a cornerstone of their safety strategy.”