ICF is supporting a Health and Safety Authority nationwide inspection campaign aimed at tackling exposure to quarry dust which runs from 21 September for two weeks and involves HSA inspectors from the Occupational Health division visiting quarrying operations across the country to assess dust control measures and risk assessments.
Quarry dust can be generated by activities including drilling, blasting, crushing, screening, transportation and maintenance. The HSA is reminding operators to identify where exposure to inhalable dust can occur and to use effective measures to contain and suppress dust at source and minimise workers’ exposure. Operators should consider all activities and areas on site, including maintenance, housekeeping and welfare facilities.
Key areas inspectors will focus on include:
- Rock composition and quarry activities generating inhalable dusts
- Dust risk assessments, potential employee exposures and control measures
- Sources of respirable crystalline silica
- Controls for respirable crystalline silica dust where relevant
- Water suppression and dust extraction systems
- Machinery and site maintenance activities
- Vehicle cab filtration and maintenance arrangements
- Housekeeping and welfare facilities
- Training and worker awareness regarding dust health risks and controls
- Evidence that dust control measures are being regularly reviewed and maintained.
Programme Manager with the Health and Safety Authority, Darren Arkins, said, “The health effects associated with long-term dust exposure can be severe, life-changing and entirely preventable. Through this inspection campaign, the Authority aims to ensure that quarry operators are identifying sources of inhalable dusts, particularly respirable crystalline silica if relevant, implementing effective control measures and monitoring the measures to minimise worker exposures and protect health over the long term.”
Gerry Farrell, Chief Executive of the Irish Concrete Federation, said, “Protecting workers from occupational health risks is a priority for the quarrying and concrete products sector. Effective dust control is not only a legal requirement but an essential investment in the long-term health of workers.”
He added, “The Irish Concrete Federation strongly supports this campaign and encourages all quarry operators to review their dust management arrangements, making sure they are effective, and that they engage with workers on the importance of controlling exposure to dust.”
The HSA is urging quarry operators to review their dust control measures, ensuring that dust-generating activities are managed through effective engineering controls, water suppression, extraction systems, good housekeeping and worker training.
Further information and practical guidance on health and safety in quarrying operations is available on the HSA website.
Pictured above at the launch of the campaign at the Breedon Ireland quarry in Rossmore, Cork are (l to r): Ciaran Murphy, Breedon Ireland; Tadgh O’Connor, Breedon Ireland; Gerry Farrell, ICF; Shara Smith, Health and Safety Authority; Darren Arkins, Health and Safety Authority; Aine Healy, Breedon Ireland.
