A two-week quarry safety inspection campaign has been launched by Ireland's Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

The campaign will focus on key hazards when working with excavations, tips and lagoons, while also giving attention to ensuring that safe work practices and proactive measures are in place to reduce the risk of incidents, including serious or fatal injury.

While at quarries, HSA Inspectors will be providing information, advice and making employers aware of resources available to help them.

The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has supported the campaign, with its Chief Executive, Gerry Farrell, stating: "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."

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:

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• 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.

Launching the campaign, Hilary Byrne, Senior HSA Inspector, said: "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."

Hilary 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."

Further information and resources available include: Safe Quarry Legislation and A Guide for Quarry Workers.