News - latest content added to Safequarry

A new edition of the Code of Practice for Safe Stressing of Prestressed Concrete Products has been developed by MPA Precast to communicate good practice in the management of health and safety when manufacturing prestressed concrete products.

Prepared in collaboration with the membership of MPA Precast and with the support of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all companies with prestressing activity on their sites. The aim is for the CoP to be shared at all levels within the precast industry.

In this Hot Topic, MPA is highlighting two recent examples of the benefits of sharing incident alerts.

1.Incident involving bagged product

Following a recent incident alert, which highlighted how an operator had been injured whilst assisting a colleague who was using a telehandler to move bagged product , a member suggested the use of an alternative bag design that might help to mitigate the risk the operator was exposed to. 

Tunnel bags differ from standard builder’s bags as they come with two sleeves at the sides of the bag in addition to the traditional 4 lifting loops. The sleeves are reinforced to stop the tunnel ripping or coming away from the body of the bag. The two sleeves create a tunnel in which the forklift truck/telehandler can slide into making bags easier to transport. These bags could be used for holding large amounts of granular products such as sand, stone and gravel. 

Whilst not suggesting that the use of this bag would have been appropriate in the incident highlighted, providing feedback of this nature can be helpful when shared with others.

2. Use of mobile phones whilst driving

An incident alert that was produced by CEMEX, it includes a graphic video which explains the consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving, it is based on an accident in 2021. The video also outlines CEMEX's policies in relation to the use of mobile phones. 

The video has been viewed over 860 times in the last 2 weeks. Ensuring that these powerful messages relating to the use of mobile phones has been reinforced across the MPA membership and other users of Safequarry.

Please share your incident alerts.

A method used for cleaning many static concrete mixers in the United Kingdom involves workers entering the mixer to remove hardened concrete residue with hand-held power tools. Some of these workers have developed Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, an occupational disease that is caused by regular use of these tools. Other health and safety risks, such as exposure to noise and entry into the confined space of the mixer, require duty holders to apply suitable controls for these residue cleaning operations.

Please see HSE research on alternative cleaning processes.

Please support World Drowning Prevention Day by sharing water safety messages that will help save lives

Please share these key messages with your colleagues friend and family.

If you see someone in trouble in the water

Do not be tempted to jump in to help them, stay calm and follow these simple instructions

Please share the resources on https://respectthewater.com/.

If you are in trouble in the water

This simple technique can save your life - 'Float to Live'

If you find yourself struggling in the water, or if you fall in unexpectedly, Float to Live. Relax and try to breathe normally. Tilt your head back and submerge your ears. Use your hands to help you stay afloat. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.         

Please share this powerful video produced by RNLI that explains the technique

Rail Freight Operations Group - Code of Practice

Loading of Bulk Wagons - Version 2

The purpose of this approved code of practice is to offer guidance to parties engaged in the process and management of loading bulk products onto rail wagons, such that the risks associated with the transportation of wagons are minimised. Included is the management of risk associated with residual / incomplete loading and unloading events.