Health & safety in the mineral products industry

There is no greater priority for the minerals industry than the safety of people, both those it employs and those who visit its operations (by invitation or otherwise). Safety can be a challenge in an industry that involves heavy machinery and rugged environments, but that has not inhibited a highly successful MPA-led campaign whose ultimate aim is zero incidents.

The industry was the first to sign up to the Health & Safety Commission’s Hard Target initiative. The industry set itself an initial target of halving reportable injuries between 2000 and 2005, which it achieved. Then, recording a reduction of 65%, MPA went on to beat its health and safety Hard Target 2009, which aimed to halve the 2004 total of reportable injuries by the end of 2009. MPA has now committed to Target Zero and achieving Zero Harm as the overarching industry expectation, as well as agreeing interim revised Hard Targets.

Quarry operators also go to great lengths persuade children not to put their lives at risk by treating quarries as adventure playgrounds. The MPA’s annual Stay Safe campaign takes the message to schools, teachers and parents right across the UK.

They also want to share best practice across the industry and the MPA managed safequarry.com contains a wealth of free advice and resources.

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