Kildare's quarries to go through safety inspection campaign

Kildare's quarries are to undergo a safety inspection under a campaign initiated by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has begun a two-week quarry safety inspection campaign focusing on key hazards when working with excavations, tips and lagoons.  

Inspectors will also focus on ensuring that safe work practices and proactive measures are in place to reduce the risk of incidents, including serious or fatal injury.
 
The HSA is concerned that a large number of quarries do not carry out geotechnical appraisals and subsequent geotechnical assessments, where necessary.  On that basis, inspectors will be seeking evidence of the following:

. That risk assessments are in place for the safe operation of excavations, tips and lagoons.
. That safe operating procedures are in place for excavations tips and lagoons.
. That geotechnical appraisals identifying significant hazards have been carried out by a competent person.
. If faces are greater than 20 metres, that a geotechnical assessment and report has been prepared.
That the recommendations of the geotechnical report are carried out.
 
There are approximately 500 quarry developments operating throughout Ireland (GSI) - rock quarries and sand and gravel pit quarries. Quarries are potentially hazardous workplaces due to the large and powerful machinery used on a daily basis.
 
Hilary Byrne, Senior HSA Inspector, stated on the launch of the campaign: “This is the first time the HSA has undertaken a campaign focusing on geotechnical aspects in quarries. We require employers in the quarry industry to proactively carry out risk assessments and ensure safe operating procedures are implemented.

“As with any hazardous workplace environment, preventative measures are key to ensuring the safety of workers. Clear communication is also crucial to ensuring all workers are aware of safety measures ensuring they all receive instruction and safety training relevant to the tasks that are undertaken.”

She added: “The Health and Safety Authority remains committed to improving the safety, health and welfare of all persons involved in the quarrying industry and these inspections are a key part of that effort and we welcome the support from the Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) for the safety campaign.”

Supporting the HSA’s quarry safety campaign, Irish Concrete Federation’s Chief Executive, Gerry Farrell, said: “This important HSA inspection campaign is an opportunity for companies to review their safety procedures, together with their employees, and implement new initiatives to enhance the safety and well-being of all in the workplace.  

"Our members are urged to remain focused on the fundamental safety risks associated with quarrying throughout the year.”

During the inspections, HSA Inspectors will be providing information, advice and making employers aware of resources available to help them reduce the risk of incidents when working in excavations and with tips and lagoons.

Further information and resources on quarry safety visit HSA website at the following links:

Safe Quarry Legislation
Safe Quarry - A Guide for Quarry Workers

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