Hot topics

These MPA guidelines summarise good practice in the management of public safety and are complimentary to the existing statutory requirements. They recommend systems and actions to assist operators:

• To manage unauthorised access issues on operational, closed or mothballed sites
• To help deter members of the public from accessing their sites
• To warn members of the public about the potential hazards
• To manage public safety particularly when there is a public right of way on a site.

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 and British Precast have joined forces to launch a new health and safety awards scheme that builds on the success of the highly acclaimed MPA H&S Awards.

BRIEFING NOTES AND ENTRY FORMS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM SAFEQUARRY

The new scheme reinforces the core values of Vision Zero and includes the following;

• New - 8 Topic Awards based around activities
• New -  'The Fatal 6' Award
• New- Young Leader Award
• Individual Recognition Award
• John Crabbe Award
• Sir Frank Davies Award

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.

This guidance covers the generalities of the Management System for Electrical Installations at quarries, associated non quarry sites and mobile equipment.

Plant Information Sheet 1 - (Version 2, January 2021) - review date: 2026

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.

Please see attached a summary report from Highways England on a recent vehicle inspection exercise run by Warwickshire Police, covering 173 vehicles.

The report highlights that 35% of the vehicles checked were defective in some way. This included a variety of issues that drivers should have picked up as part of their normal pre-use checks.

The report reinforces the importance of regular and thorough pre-use checks. More information on vehicle checks can be found in the MPA Drivers Handbook which can be downloaded from Safequarry.

MPA has launched a digital guide that provides an overview of Vision Zero for employees and contractors. It includes information on the 6 H&S Values, 'The Fatal 6' and the 6 strategies MPA is using to support its members.  The Guide can be downloaded from the Safequarry website. 

MPQC have developed an elearning package which supports and complements the guidance and other resources produced by MPA on moving machinery and isolation.

In additino to the topics covered in the MPA guidance, MPQC also highlights the emotional impact following incidents, further emphasising the part that our behaviour plays in preventing incidents, and includes an important message to the participants direct from industry leaders.

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