The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has initiated a two-week quarry safety inspection campaign to focus on machinery operation, guarding, and maintenance activities.

HSA inspectors will be conducting thorough inspections of quarries and associated manufacturing premises to identify and address key safety hazards related to machinery. The campaign aims to ensure that safe work practices and proactive measures are in place to prevent incidents, including serious injuries or fatalities.

The HSA's primary focus will be on incidents resulting from unsafe machinery operation, inadequate guarding, insufficient risk assessments for maintenance activities, and a lack of proper isolation procedures during maintenance. Inspectors will be assessing employers' compliance with safety standards, including routine inspections of machinery guarding and emergency stops, planned maintenance procedures, and the implementation of risk assessment outcomes.

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Hilary Byrne, Senior Inspector, HSA, said: "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. 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."

Hilary continued: "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."

The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has expressed its support for the HSA's safety campaign, urging its members to review their safety procedures and implement new initiatives to enhance workplace safety.

During the inspections, HSA inspectors will provide information, advice, and resources to help employers reduce the risk of machinery-related incidents, particularly during maintenance activities.