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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

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.

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' 

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.

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.

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

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  david.yelland@mineralproducts.org  by MPA members whilst stocks remains. 

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 has recently implemented a ‘Mask and Move’ Policy  in all shared office areas. This means that staff are asked to wear a face covering whenever they are away from their desk or workstation in all shared office areas and applies to everyone other than those who would normally be exempt from the mandatory wearing of face coverings under government guidelines. A poster is also downloadable from the resources section of Safequarry

Downloadable cards provide advice to individuals that own, manage or are responsible for a specific business or organisation within the community on how to respond to a COVID-19 outbreak by;

• Identifying an outbreak of COVID-19 (one or more confirmed case depending on the business or organisation)
• Reporting the outbreak to your local health protection team
• Working with your local health protection team to respond

Each situation has an individual Action Card which provides specific COVID-19 Early Outbreak Management Information for that location. The Action Cards are designed to be printed or downloaded to keep on-hand in your business or organisation. (Please note these assets are cleared for use in England only.)

REMEMBER THE SIMPLE MEASURES THAT WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES SAFE FROM COVID 19

The increased amount of travel and social interaction which is now permitted, presents much greater opportunity to contract and transmit Coronavirus and the gains achieved during lockdown could easily be lost. Recent press reports suggest that numbers of cases are increasing and a second wave may already be occurring, with some very localised spikes in businesses and towns.

It is essential that organisations and individuals remain vigilant. The basic control measures (social distancing, good hygiene etc.) that were identified at the outset continue to be relevant and effective.

Members are therefore advised to:

• Ensure their workplaces remain COVID safe
• Review and if necessary supplement the control measures in place
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of the COVID measures
• Monitor compliance with site COVID rules
• Provide regular and frequent refresher toolbox talks to maintain awareness and reinforce the message
• Having contingency measures in place that will ensure that further site shutdowns can be implemented quickly and safely if this becomes necessary.

The MPA’s ‘Ten Rules of Engagement’ are as applicable now as much as ever…

Please go to the COVID 19 section of Safequarry if you want to download any of the free posters.

HSE has issued an article on disinfecting premises. Fog, mist, vapour or UV treatments may be suitable options to help control the spread of Coronavirus, by cleaning and disinfecting larger workspaces/rooms. The article provides information on the different methods available, the suitability and limitations of each system and the safety considerations. Any use of these treatments should be risk assessed.

View Article

HSE has issued a Waste and Recycling eBulletin on ‘not forgetting the basics’ whilst managing COVID-19 risks. Such issues are equally relevant to other sectors and members are reminded to check that they have not lost focus on the day-to-day risks in their operations, whilst managing the COVID-19 risks.

This guidance is for dutyholders and inspectors. It has information about how to meet your legal obligations to carry out thorough examination and testing of equipment during the coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak.

A substantial number of face masks, claiming to be of a KN95 standard, provide an inadequate level of protection and are likely to be poor quality products accompanied by fake or fraudulent paperwork. These face masks may also be known as filtering facepiece respirators.

View HSE Warning

Aggregate Industries has created a short video which provides some helpful advice and practical examples of how to manage COVID-19 safety on minerals sites.

A letter that reassures drivers, and reminds businesses of their obligations under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, to provide suitable toilet and hand washing facilities to drivers visiting their premises.

View HSE DoT Letter

In response to concerns raised about the risks of air conditioning spreading coronavirus, we have issued advice that the risk of air conditioning spreading coronavirus is extremely low.

If you use a centralised ventilation system that removes and circulates air to different rooms, it is recommended that you turn off recirculation and use a fresh air supply.

You do not need to adjust other types of air conditioning systems. If you’re unsure, speak to your heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) engineers or advisers.

Eurobitume UK Guidance May 2020 - This document provides guidance on the short and medium/long-term storage of bitumen in a bulk bitumen storage tank. This guidance must be used alongside the plant-based risk assessment for you to decide the most appropriate option. Careful management of temperature will help preserve the bitumen’s quality.

This will be of particular interest to operations that have been shut down and are now re-starting.

A more detailed publication aimed at Directors and Managers, this provides guidance on operating safely during the COVID 19  pandemic and provides links to important sources of information and updates, including from Government and non-Government organisations.

This complements the Managers and Employees pocket guides which are also accessible on Safequarry. A range of posters are also downloadable from Safequarry which are based on the cartoons and key the health and safety messages. 

A pocket book that outlines 10 simple Rules of Engagement for employees returning to work, 10 ways of behaving that will help to keep them, their family and their colleagues safe.

It highlights how these behaviours can be applied in a range of different situations, commencing from when an employee leaves home, a range of activities they might engage in or locations they might visit during a normal working day. It concludes with a safe return home.

Please view posters outlining simple rules for users to follow during COVID 19.  Subjects covered are;

• Canteens
• Kitchens
• Toilets
• Lifts

They can be downloaded as pdfs from the Other resources section of Safequarry. The posters have been supplied by Mansfield Sand and Gravel - Safer by Sharing

Guidance provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy for employers and businesses dealing with Coronavirus - COVID. The site has subsections on the range of topics listed below where further detailed information and resources can be found. Very useful for employers considering return to working.

• What you need to know
• Symptons
• Good practice for employers
• Social distancing in the workplace
• Shift-working and staggering processes
• Staying at home if you, or someone in your household, has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) on site
• Sick pay
• Certifying absence from work
• What to do if an employee needs time off work to look after someone
• Limiting spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in business and workplaces
• Use of face masks in the community
• Moving goods
• Cleaning and waste disposal
• Handling post or packages
• Food safety

Link to the the GOV UK Website

All drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work. We are hearing reports that some drivers are not being allowed to use welfare facilities when they deliver. Preventing access is against the law, equally its not the sensible thing to do.Those who already provide reasonable access to toilets and handwashing facilities should continue to do so.

With the latest advice for hands to be washed regularly, failure to allow access to welfare facilities may increase the risk of the COVID-19 infection spreading.

HSE Bulletin - Driver access to welfare facilities

Version 3 of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Site Operating Procedures issued on 14^th April 2020. The new document incorporates updated guidance from Public Health England on social distancing in the workplace. New advice is also provided with regard to travel to work in private vehicles and car sharing.

A short video on COVID 19 produced by CRH and incorporating some WHO content which explains how the virus is transmitted and practical measures you can take to prevent  transmission. 

The video can be viewed in the Safequarry video library - Safer by Sharing

A useful template shared by CRH which provides a list of checks that can be carried out to ensure workplaces have appropriate procedures and controls in place. - Safer by Sharing

A comprehensive document that can be used to assess site control measures against the spread of Covid 19. The document contains some examples and ideas around various control aspects for your site to consider.

The Scottish Government has issued guidance for business which explicitly states that:

“The construction sector and its supply chain is considered a non-essential business sector, except where supporting an essential sector as listed above.”

New rules have been put in force by the Welsh Assembly Government to keep employees two metres apart. The guidance has been issued under regulation 7A of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (the “Coronavirus Regulations”). For business, the key rule is:

Aggregate Industries has produced a spreadsheet that provides an indication of the sort of Covid-19 related risks that will need to be managed and controlled for a range of site activities/operations.

Safer by Sharing  

HSE has posted a new statement on their website explaining how they intend to operate/regulate during the Covid-19 outbreak.

HSE statement

MPQC update detailing what steps they will be taking during the current Covid-19 restrictions to maintain the Driver Skills Card Scheme on behalf of the industry.

Statement from HSE on how it intends to regulate businesses with regard to their statutory testing requirements during the Corona virus outbreak.

MPA is writing to the HSE to seek further clarification on the matter of statutory testing in view of concerns about the potential for Statutory inspections to go out of date during any extended temporary site closures and/or also as a result of the emerging evidence that the capacity of the certifying bodies to carry out inspections is starting to become stretched.

HSE advice on first aid including managing with reduced first aid cover, sharing resources and first aid certificate extensions.

HSE First Aid

As an employer, you have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers.

This guidance outlines what an employer should consider when someone is working from home, permanently or temporarily.

HSE Home workers

During this period there is a risk that employees either travelling to work or involved in work activities off-site (such as delivering materials) may encounter members of the public or protesters objecting to their activities. There is also an increasing potential for individuals to be challenged by the police. This briefing provides advice on how member companies and their employees can handle these encounters in a safe and courteous manner.

Given the current exceptional circumstances, MPA would urge members to consider public safety at all sites, whether operational or inactive. This briefing provides a checklist of issues to review for in relation to public safety

It may be necessary for members to temporarily close some operational sites due to the coronavirus outbreak. Sites that are unoccupied may become an increased target for intruders, whether for the theft of materials and equipment or vandalism. This briefing is intended to summarise the main issues that should be considered when closing a site.

MPA Health and Safety is seeking to assist members who are facing difficult decisions and complex problems as a result of the current crisis.

Please see attached Direct from MPA with links to relevant documents.

The poster is also downloadable from the resources section of Safequarry