| 2009 | 2008 | |
| Number of reportable injuries (aggregates) | 138 | 137 |
| Lost time injuries (cement) | 14 | 31 |
Health and safety remains our industry’s top priority. Our ultimate aim will always be “zero harm” to our workforce. In 2009, our members achieved the five-year “Hard Target” of halving the number of reportable injuries amongst employees. The actual reduction in reportable injuries in the aggregates sector since the first sector hard target was introduced in 1999 is 83 per cent. We have now set a further target – to again halve the rate of lost time injuries by 2014.
The sharing of best practice is one of our main weapons. Our most recent health and safety awards attracted nearly 350 entries, every one of which represented ideas brought to fruition and offered to others. We also operate the www.safequarry.com website with constantly updated information, resources and alerts about new incidents. Safer by Design is an initiative that aims to improve dialogue between industry and manufacturers of plant and equipment over safety aspects of their designs.
Transport is another continuing focus with the development of a Drivers' Skills initiative to improve driver awareness of hazards associated with loading and delivery. MPA is also developing a Cycle Safe campaign aimed at increasing mutual awareness between our drivers and cyclists.