News - latest content added to Safequarry

WORLD CUP WARNINGS

With the majority of  the World Cup matches being played during the evening or the early hours (UK time), MP Connect has issued two posters with simple messages, reminding workers about the importance of ensuring they are fit to drive and work following day.

The posters remind people that it is essential that they ensure that they are not fatigued and their judgement is not impaired in some other way. This is particularly important if their role involves driving, working with heavy machinery or in a potentially hazardous environment.

Following these simple messages will help keep themselves, their colleagues and others with whom they may interact, safe and well.

STAY SAFE

The tragic deaths by drowning of teenagers at inland water sites during the recent hot weather highlights the vital importance of being aware of and sharing water safety advice. Around 60% of accidental drownings in the UK occur at inland water sites such as rivers, reservoirs, canals and lakes, including former quarry lakes or water filled voids that have resulted from mineral workings.

Please review and share the safety messages contained in the attached flyer via your company and personal networks. Raising public awareness of both the hazards and what to do in an emergency will help to save lives and prevent serious injuries. The flyer contains links to resources you can download.

With unusually warm weather forecast for this week, some people may be tempted to engage in water based activities where it is unsafe to do so, such as water filled voids or lakes in active and former quarries.  Please help to educate the public both this week, and during the coming summer months. Whether at the coast or inland water sites, everyone should be aware of these safety messages.

A newly updated version of the comprehensive Drivers Handbook is now available, bringing together good practice guidance in one place as part of MPA’s commitment to Vision Zero.

Driving and operating HGVs remains one of the most hazardous work activities undertaken across the industry. Road Traffic Accidents are one of the ‘Fatal 6’, with around a quarter of all lost-time incidents reported to MPA involving drivers — tragically including a number of fatalities.

Developed by the MPA Transport Committee, the Handbook has been designed as a practical reference tool to help drivers better understand, manage and reduce the risks associated with driving and operating vehicles for work.

Containing more than 150 pages of practical guidance, the Handbook supports safer decision-making and promotes positive driving behaviours. It outlines what is expected of drivers in relation to vehicle safety, journey planning and driving standards, while also providing guidance on emergency situations and practical steps to help prevent avoidable harm.

Public Safety at Active, Non-Active and Disused Quarry Sites

As part of its on-going Stay Safe Campaign, MPA works with other organisations to share key water safety messages to help raise public awareness of the potential hazards that can be associated with water-based activities at some inland water sites.

Tragically, there have been 3 accidental drownings at inland water sites in April. A teenage boy drowned in a Tarn in the Lake District and a 34-year-old mother and her seven-year-old son in the River Brent next to Elthorne Park in Hanwell.

Over half of all accidental drownings in the UK occur in inland waters such as rivers, lakes, canals and man-made bodies of water such as reservoirs and quarry lakes.

This week, the @National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is warning about the risk of accidental drowning as part of its annual #BeWaterAware campaign, as more people spend time outdoors in the coming weeks.

The Be Water Aware campaign highlights simple steps people can take to reduce risk, including avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or headphones near water, staying back from the edge where possible, and calling for help rather than entering the water if someone is in difficulty.

MPA will be sharing some of the resources produced for this year’s Be Water Aware campaign, please help to spread these key safety messages over the coming weeks, particularly in periods of unusually warm weather.