February is Heart Month - a timely reminder that heart health isn’t something that just sits in the background of our wellbeing, it’s central to it. Whether you’re on site handling machinery or in the office managing logistics and planning, understanding and acting on heart health can make a real difference - even save a life.
In an industry like plant hire, where physical effort, long days, variable temperatures and tight schedules are all part of the territory, it’s easy to focus only on the machines. But people fuel the machines - and with that comes responsibility.
So let’s talk about why heart health should matter to everyone at Martin Plant Hire, and why this February isn’t just another month on the calendar.
Heart Facts Everyone Should Know
Here’s the blunt truth:
- Heart and circulatory diseases are the UK’s biggest killer, responsible for around one in four deaths.
- Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are a leading cause of sudden death, and most happen in everyday places - including workplaces.
- Early CPR and using a defibrillator within minutes can more than double someone’s chance of survival.
Those stats aren’t abstract - they’re people. Colleagues. Friends. Family.
(Statistics based on British Heart Foundation data.)
Why This Matters on Site
You don’t need to be a medic to make a difference. Plant yards, depots and construction sites are busy places. Heavy machinery, tight deadlines and physical work mean unexpected events can happen, and promptly spotting a medical emergency is as critical as spotting a site hazard.
When a cardiac arrest occurs, the most crucial minutes are the first ones.
- Knowing where a defibrillator is,
- Recognising the signs of cardiac distress, and
- Acting with confidence
…can be the difference between life and death.
Defibrillators are no longer “specialist devices.” They’re designed to be used by anyone, with spoken step-by-step guidance once activated. The risk of harm from using one unnecessarily is extremely low, while the upside of successful early use is huge.
We should treat heart health readiness with the same seriousness as PPE checks and machinery service logs.
And It Matters in the Office Too...
Not all of us are knee-deep in diggers and dumpers. But heart health isn’t just a “physical job issue.”
Office-based team members may face:
- long stretches of sitting
- high workloads and deadlines
- stress peaks around planning cycles
- missed breaks and irregular meals
These factors contribute to cardiovascular strain over time. Encouraging breaks, promoting active days and simply talking about heart health makes a difference.
Here’s the key: Everyone can help create a safer environment. It’s not just about responding to emergencies, it’s about supporting a culture where health gets airtime, without embarrassment or awkwardness.
What We Can All Do…
Learn CPR
You don’t need formal medical training to learn the basics. Short courses, online demos and workplace training sessions make this accessible - and it’s time well invested.
Know Where Defibrillators Are
Check your nearest public space. Mark it. Share it. Practice mental recall.
Talk Heart Health
Encourage healthy habits... stretching, walking breaks, hydration, balanced meals, especially during busy periods.
Make It Practical
In workplaces like ours, bridging safety with wellbeing helps:
- First aid briefings that include CPR
- Signage for heart health awareness
- Encouraging team wellbeing check-ins
Heart Month isn’t about fear, it’s about being informed, prepared and confident. Because when milliseconds matter and professionals haven’t yet arrived, the team around you is your first response.