The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will carry out a two week quarry safety inspection campaign commencing on Monday 15th May. The focus of the campaign is on safe machinery operation, machinery guarding and maintenance activities.
In the ten-year period 2013-2022 Quarrying, Mining and the associated manufacturing activities in the industry accounted for 8 work-related fatalities in Ireland.
HSA inspectors will be conducting quarry safety inspections focusing on the key hazards that exist when operating quarry machinery or while carrying out machinery maintenance in quarries and associated manufacturing premises. Inspectors will also focus on ensuring that safe work practices and proactive measures are in place to reduce the risk of incidents, including serious or fatal injury.
Hilary Byrne, Senior Inspector, HSA stated on the launch of the campaign that “As with any hazardous workplace environment, we urge employers to actively carry out risk assessments and put in place appropriate control measures including safe ways of working. The outcome of these risk assessments must be communicated to all those involved in the work while ensuring they all receive instruction and safety training relevant to the tasks that are undertaken.”
She continued “The Health and Safety Authority remains committed to improving the safety, health and welfare of all persons involved in the quarrying industry and these inspections are a key part of that effort and we welcome the support from the Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) for the safety campaign.”
Backing the HSA’s quarry safety blitz, Irish Concrete Federation’s Chief Executive, Gerry Farrell, said “ICF welcomes this important HSA inspection campaign and it’s an opportunity for companies to review their safety procedures, together with their employees, and implement new initiatives to enhance the safety and well-being of all in the workplace. It is critical that our members remain focused on the fundamental safety risks associated with quarrying throughout the year. Therefore we greatly welcome the active support from our members for this campaign.”
During the inspections, HSA Inspectors will be providing information, advice and making employers aware of resources available to help them reduce the risk of incidents involving machinery particularly during machinery maintenance.
For further information and resources on quarry safety visit HSA website at the following links:
Pictured at the launch of The Quarry Safety Campaign: Above (L-R) Leonard Moore Kilsaran, Hilary Byrne Senior Inspector Health & Safety Authority, Gerry Farrell CEO Irish Concrete Federation, Paul Maher Kilsaran, Mark Cullen Acting CEO Health & Safety Authority.
