Hot topics

MPA has extended the deadline for submission of entry forms to the 2022 Health and Safety Awards for the

• 8 Topic Awards
• Individual Recognition Awards
• Young Leader Awards

Please submit any remaining  entries by noon on Monday 30th May.

The simple to complete entry forms and briefing notes can be viewed and downloaded from Safequarry.

HSE has issued a safety alert about how respirators/masks which rely on ear loops do not provide protection as tight fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

MPA has launched the digital version of its health and safety guide which summarises the leading entries for the 2021 Health and Safety Awards, Sharing good practice 2021/22. Please review.

There is still time for companies to complete a simple entry form to be included in the 2022 awards, submission are required by Friday 20th May.

Download entry forms.

MPA members are reminded that entries for the 8 Topic Awards, Individual and Young Leader Awards are due to be submitted by Friday 20th May.

The simple to complete entry forms and briefing notes can be downloaded from the Safequarry website.

Please watch this video that explains why it is important to share your innovations and best practice - we are all Safer by Sharing

HSE records show that vehicle-pedestrian collisions continue to be one of the main cause of workplace fatalities:

• There have been nine fatal vehicle-pedestrian collisions in the past four years involving wheeled loading shovels – most of these were in the waste and recycling sector. 
• There have been two vehicle-pedestrian fatalities within the minerals sector since 2015
• Main risk factors include lack of segregation, poor forward visibility and reversing manoeuvres

Operators who use mobile plant need to fully assess and actively manage the risk of vehicle-pedestrian collisions. Segregating the operating areas and traffic routes for mobile plant and pedestrians is the most effective control measure, eliminating the risk of collisions. For activities where mobile plant and pedestrians cannot be fully segregated, you will need to identify and implement other control measures.

MPA has produced some resources on Workplace Transport and Pedestrian Interface which are free to access via the Safequarry website Workplace transport and pedestrian interface (safequarry.com)

HSE issued an alert last year Wheeled loading shovels in waste and recycling - HSE relating to the operation of wheeled loading shovels and the increased risks due to use of larger buckets which reduce visibility. The alert provides a helpful reminder of the risks to consider under headings, Safe Site, Safe Vehicle and Safe Driver

MPA has launched the 2022 Health and Safety Awards. It is inviting entries from members and those who work closely with them in parts of the UK supply chain for the mineral products industry.

Watch the video to find out more or go directly to the awards page on Safequarry where you can download the briefing notes a simple to complete entry forms for 

• 8 Topic Awards - Open to all.
• ‘The Fatal 6’ Award 
• The Eurobitume Award 
• John Crabbe Award 
• Sir Frank Davies Award
• Young Leader Award
• Individual Awards

There is clear, simple guidance:

• for employers and those who engage drivers and riders on how to make sure the journey, driver and vehicle are safe
• for workers and those who drive and ride for work on their responsibilities 

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

OPSS has issued a Safety Alert for a chainsaw disc attachment that has been incorrectly sold for use with angle grinders. Please follow link for more information disc attachment

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.