Title | Short Description | Source | Date |
Tarmac partners with Mates in Mind to launch a campaign focussing on mental health |
Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for some individuals. Research shows that a quarter of people say that this time of year makes their mental health worse. In the construction industry, poor mental health is also more prevalent – with a third of workers living with severe levels of anxiety, according to Mates in Mind.
Tarmac has launched a campaign with Mates in Mind which is based around a short video ‘The most wonderful time of the year?’. The video reinforces messaging about mental wellbeing, in particular, it highlights that if someone isn’t quite feeling themselves, they don’t need to face challenges alone.
Told through a single narrative, the film follows an individual through their working day as they struggle to open up about their problems. There is no dialogue from the worker for most of the video, until he confesses “I don’t think I’m ok”, to which his manager responds that he is there for him, offering to sit down and have a chat. The film demonstrates how stepping in and asking if someone is OK, can help open up the conversation for a person who may be experiencing challenges in their life.
Please view and, if you feel it is appropriate, share the video with others
‘The most wonderful time of the year?’
It may help someone within your organisation who is already struggling to seek support or remind your colleagues / employees of the importance of being aware of potential changes in others that may be an indication that they need some help.
If you choose to share the video, you could also include a reminder of the support that your organisation provides to help individuals with mental health issues or could include this link to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Section on Safequarry. This provides a links to two simple guidance booklets, one for managers and one for employees, and links to other organisations who can help.
More information about the Tarmac campaign is available from its website.
| Tarmac | 14/12/2023 |
COVID 19 - MPA recommendations to members and HSE comments |
MPA has issued a Direct to its members with recommendations on the continuing use of COVID 19 protective measures following the Government changes introduced on the 19th July.
In a separate discussion with MPA, the HSE have highlighted the following points
- Nothing changes - employers are expected to maintain Covid 19 control measures in the workplace.
- We are still in a pandemic, not an endemic (e.g. seasonal flu)
- People can make choices socially but the workplace is different – workers still need to be protected in the workplace
- Double vaccination is not seen as a control measure as its effectiveness against variants and over the longer term are unknown
- The five main elements for control are:
- Social distancing
- Reducing social contacts (physical barriers/cohorts etc.)
- Surface cleaning
- Hygiene (washrooms etc)
- Ventilation
- HSE will continue to inspect and enforce on Covid safety, using the Management Regulations and HSWA as a basis
- Employers need to maintain, review and update Covid risk assessments which should identify appropriate controls and reference the guidance
- BEIS website is useful source of information https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19
| MPA | 19/07/2021 |
COVID 19 - BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) document on ventilation |
Good ventilation is one of the main measures recommended to control Covid-19 and reduce the risk of transmission within enclosed spaces. The British Occupational Hygiene Society has produced this helpful FAQ document which provides information on general ventilation and mechanical ventilation and the factors which can improve or reduce effectiveness.
| BOHS | 21/06/2021 |
Stay Safe 2021 - Lifting of COVID Restrictions |
The recent announcements from the Government regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions provides a useful reminder for quarry operators to review their public safety risk assessments and any site specific mitigation measures.
Based on experience from last year, it is likely that there will be a significant increase in members of the public seeking to engage in water based activities at inland open water sites. Quarry lakes may be seen by some people as tempting locations for a for a quick dip. Therefore, MPA is urging its members to check their sites prior to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and warmer weather.
The following two documents provide guidance on the management of public safety. They include useful summaries of best practice and outline the statutory duties of those responsible for the land/site;
MPA's 'Guidelines for the management of public safety on MPA members' operational and non-operational sites'
RoSPA's 'Managing safety at inland water'
| MPA | 25/02/2021 |
COVID 19 - Hanson face mask posters |
Hanson has produced a suite of 3 posters that illustrate the correct way to wear and manage face masks.
Hanson have agreed to unbranded versions of the posters to be shared across the industry. The 3 posters can be downloaded from the Other Resources section of Safequarry.
| MPA | 10/02/2021 |
Ministers Guidance to Mineral Products Sector – Continuing to Operate During Covid |
Please find attached a letter from the Minister effectively confirming our sectors continuing essential role, and consequent guidance in terms of continued operations during the current heightened ‘lockdown’.
Of particular note are the following highlights:
- “firms and tradespeople in the construction sector and its supply chain, including merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, should continue to operate during this national lockdown”
- “Whether delivering on large or small construction sites, and in peoples' homes across the country, in builders' merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making a major contribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19.”
This guidance is no doubt issued on the assumption that as an industry we continue to operate in a Covid secure way. It remains of vital importance therefore that operators who are continuing to work, ensure that robust steps have been taken to protect their workforce and to continually check that high standards are being maintained.
Once again we would draw attention to the MPA’s Covid guidance and resources which can be used to assist in the ongoing development and implementation of your own Covid security measures.
| MPA | 13/01/2021 |
COVID-19 - Coronavirus testing for hauliers before leaving the UK for France |
The Government has issued advice re testing for hauliers before leaving the UK and facilitites available to support this. Please review and discuss with any haulage companies you work with the plans that they have in place to ensure their hauliers have tested negative, conducted within 72 hours prior to travel, before travelling to the border.
| MPA | 11/01/2021 |
COVID-19 Powerful CRH video |
PASSWORD REQUIRED TO VIEW – PLEASE TYPE IN CRH-COVID-Awareness
CRH has produced a powerful video that highlights the personal impact that the virus had on two CRH workers in a cement plant. It also features an ICU Nurse who talks about her experience treating patients with COVID-19 and the devastating effect it can have on them. The workers talk about their emotions and personal experience of coping with COVID-19.
The video provides a stark reminder of why we all need to continue being Covid-Safe in our personal and professional lives.
PLEASE WATCH AND SHARE
| | 23/11/2020 |
COVID-19 MPA issues new posters reminding people to Stay COVID-19 Alert |
MPA has launched a new set of posters to help remind everyone to Stay COVID-19 Alert.
Digital copies can be downloaded from the Manager and Employee COVID 19 Guidance Section on Safequarry that can be accessed via the button on the Home page of Safequarry.
Free hard copies can be ordered from [email protected] by MPA members whilst stocks remains.
| MPA | 19/10/2020 |
COVID-19 - CEMEX Poster supporting Mask and Move Policy |
As Covid-19 cases are on the rise nationally, it is useful to consider any additional measure to reduce the potential for transmission in the workplace. The attached poster has been created to publicise and communicate CEMEX’s new ‘Mask and Move’ policy for shared offices. Members may wish to consider whether introducing such a policy could be a useful additional control measure within their operations.
| CEMEX | 21/09/2020 |
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