A new website for the quarrying industry is to be launched this month (June 2006), with the aim of further reducing the number of accidents within it's industry, by sharing knowledge amongst stakeholders and providing guidance to both workers and management alike.
Leading the £224,000 project is the Quarry Products Association (QPA), supported by members and stakeholders such as the following:
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Part-funded from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund via the Mineral Industry Sustainable Technology programme. Having succeeded in cutting accidents by half over a five year period.
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The British Aggregates Association.
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The Health & Safety Executive.
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The University of Leeds, and national training body EPIC.
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Substantial support has come from the Mineral Industry Research Organisation, which distributes funds from a government tax on aggregates through its Mineral Industry Sustainable Technology Programme.
There are three main elements within the project, consisting of a guide, a DVD and the new website. The guide and DVD are already available and the website will be launched this month.
Director of Health and Safety for the QPA, Mr. Martin Isles, said:
"This guide is for everyone - not just management. It contains a fund of ideas which are often very simple and can be applied to a range of common problems.
"Taking the time to thumb through a copy could spark an idea that improves efficiency and prevents a serious incident. Saving lives and achieving the target of zero incidents is, after all, the ultimate aim of this project."
The new website will play a major role in the project, by incorporating the following:
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Best practice ideas.
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Toolbox talks.
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An incident alert reporting system by automatic e-mail to registered users.
Commenting on the alert system, Hanson’s National Health & Safety Manager, Mr. Colin Nottage, said:
"The system will send an automatic e-mail to registered users when a new alert has been submitted, guiding them towards the website for further information.
"It will make a significant difference to the way that we communicate across the industry - and allow us to each learn from the experiences of others."
Further information can be obtained from Rachel Hedges or Andrew Tapscott, by telephoning 0845 644 3845 or by e-mail to rachel.hedges@daybreakcomm.co.uk
The new website, when launched, will be accessible by clicking the following:
A Quarrying Guidance, in pdf format, is available from the HSE and can be accessed by clicking the following:
Article by Alexandra Johnston
