The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has begun a two-week quarry safety inspection campaign focussing on safe machinery operation, machinery guarding and maintenance activities.
In the ten-year period 2014-2023 quarrying, mining and the associated manufacturing activities in the industry accounted for seven work-related deaths in Ireland.
HSA inspectors will be conducting quarry safety inspections focusing on the key hazards that exist when operating quarry machinery or while carrying out machinery maintenance in quarries and associated manufacturing premises.
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.
There are around 500 quarry developments operating throughout Ireland and the HSA said they are potentially hazardous workplaces due to the large and powerful machinery used on a daily basis.
"We require employers in the quarry industry to proactively carry out risk assessments and put in place appropriate control measures including safe ways of working," said Hilary Byrne, Senior Inspector, HSA.
"As with any hazardous workplace environment, preventative measures are key to ensuring the safety of workers," she said.
"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," Ms Byrne said.
The quarry safety campaign is supported by the Irish Concrete Federation.
"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," said Irish Concrete Federation chief executive Gerry Farrell.
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 involving machinery particularly during machinery maintenance.
