The Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) has announced plans to inspect quarries across Northern Ireland, as part of an intensive, two-week long initiative to improve on-site safety.

Inspections will begin next week.

Over the last four years the quarry industry has put in a great deal of effort to improve health and safety standards for their employees and the self-employed through a 'Hard Targets' initiative.

This has resulted in an over 50% reduction in reportable incidents since the initiative began.

-- Advertisement --

However, machinery guarding and workplace transport remain areas of potential risk for the industry due to the size and power of the equipment involved.

HSENI's Malcolm Downey said: "Many quarries here are working to the proper standards when operating plant and machinery. These companies have nothing to fear from this initiative, but those companies who are working with a reckless disregard for safety will be challenged and may face prosecution.

"During the two week period HSENI will have teams of Inspectors working across Northern Ireland checking for unguarded and poorly maintained plant and machinery, ensuring that drivers of plant have all round visibility and that geotechnical assessments have been undertaken.

"They will be taking appropriate enforcement action and issuing Notices to prevent the operation of dangerous plant and machinery," he added.

More information on safety in the Quarry Industry is available by contacting HSENI’s Information and Advice Helpline on 0800 0320 121.

(PR/JM)