Hot topics

Eurobitume UK have organised five training Workshops to promote the new Safe Delivery of Bitumen guide and also to act as refresher training for anyone familiar with the previous guide – these are aimed at asphalt plant managers, operators and anyone responsible for the safe handling and storage of bitumen. Industry best practice and information on the most up-to-date bitumen safety procedures, are provided through presentations and demonstrations.

Workshops are being held as follows

• 3rd April 2019 Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling
• 1st May 2019 Briar Court Hotel, Huddersfield
• 8th May 2019 Windmill Village Hotel Coventry
• 15th May 2019 Best Western Manor Hotel Gravesend
• 22nd May 2019 Centurion Hotel, Radstock

MPA has updated the Drivers Handbook,

The purpose of the Driver’s Handbook is to make LGV drivers aware of the risks that they may face or create while driving and operating vehicles and typically understanding how to manage the risks. The handbook outlines what is required of a driver in terms of his or her, vehicle, journey and driving behaviours. In addition it deals with emergency situations and gives practical advice on what to
do to help keep you safe from avoidable harm.

This handbook will help you work with your employer to avoid preventable incidents and injuries to yourself and other people when driving for work. It should be used with your employer’s driving for work policies and procedures.

High Potential Incident  - The video shows how an operator injured his foot when it came into contact with a milling drum. His injuries could have been a lot more serious.

The video includes captions to remind operators of the simple measures one needs to take to avoid this type of incident.

Please share this video with your colleagues. It is a very graphic illustration of the potential consequences of a moments thoughtless action.

Please watch the short video that demonstrates how an operator was easily able to remove a multi-lock isolation clasp whilst it was still pad-locked.

The use of poorly designed isolation clasps could result in a serious injury or fatality if an employee or contractor is able to defeat the system. Whilst this requires an operator to break all the rules, it is possible that situations could arise when an operator is convinced that it is safe to do so, expediency could then colour his judgement.

The video also shows two examples of effective designs.  Please watch the video and ensure that your organisation is using appropriate isolation clasps.If you find a defective or poorly designed clasp please hand it in to your supervisor.

All the videos shown at the MPA's Health and Safety Conference and Awards 2018 are now viewable on the MPA's YouTube channel. Please review the videos of the award winning innovations and share them with your colleagues.  

Pleae follow link to view the videos

Stop and Think  -  ‘What if not If only’

Can other items of machinery affect where you are working if they were to start?

Consider all forms of energy when applying LOTOTO not just Electrical Isolations.

• Electrical
• Pneumatic
• Hydraulic
• Mechanical
• Gravitational
• Thermal
• Residual/Plant & Equipment Overloaded
• Material Flow
• Water
• Steam
• Ionising & Non Ionising Radiation

Please play the video

WATCH VIDEO

Safety Nudge - One of our Fatal 6 Incidents - ‘Contact with Moving Machinery and Isolation’

Please take 5 seconds to check that the isolations you are carrying out are secure LOTOTO Steps 4 and 5 found in MPA Guide to Energy Isolation. 

If a multi hasp and personal lock can be applied to the isolation mechanism of the isolator in the ON position

OR

can be switched from the OFF position back to the ON after securing the hasp and personal lock

Report immediately to your Manager or Supervisor - DO NOT START WORK!

Always test your isolation is secure before you start work and recheck its integrity over regular intervals LOTOTO Step 7 MPA Guide to Energy Isolation.

Please watch the dramatic video that shows an accident that occurred whilst lifting concrete slabs. The video can be accessed via the video libraries on both sfaequarry and safeprecast. 

The video is a reminder of the importance of undertaking risk assessments, safe methods of working and ensuring that staff are following procedures. 

Watch video 

On September 10 it is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay.
The day is an annual event established to raise
awareness about suicide across the globe and to
promote working together to prevent suicide.

The MPA are Mates in Mind champions supporting
this initiative. 

The removal, replacement and repair of tyres can result in incidents that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities if the correct procedures are not followed. The pdf provides a number of safety nudges to remind people who operate and manage others carrying out these activities to just STOP THINK & ACT.

Please also share this with any subcontractors carrying out this activity, challenge your standards and question whether your risk controls are robust and correctly implemented.

With warm weather forecast this week and school holidays approaching, members of the public may be tempted to swim in quarry lakes. Please remember to check fencing, warning signs and other safety measures to help keep members of the public safe at active and disused sites.

Follow this link to the Easter Direct that highlights some of the resources available to help mange public safety. 

The fourth edition of the Code of Practice for the Safe Installation of Precast Concrete Flooring and Associated Components launched by the Precast Flooring Federation on 30th November 2017