What Makes a Safe Quarry? 

Mines and quarries can be highly hazardous places. From workplace transport to the machinery and equipment present within quarries, there are a lot of risks associated with this kind of work.. It's absolutely no surprise that quarrying remains one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Since 2000 over 3500 workers have suffered an injury reportable to HSE, 31 of these injuries being fatal.  

The standard of health and safety in the quarrying industry has improved significantly since the introduction of the Hard Targets Initiative by the industry, but continued vigilance by everyone in the industry, is essential to maintain these improvements. With this in mind, we outline some of the necessary components that make a quarry safe.

Workplace transport

A wide range of large complex vehicles are used every day in quarries. Proper planning, training and awareness, and the use of appropriate vehicles can prevent most accidents from happening.

Some key points to consider

●    Keep people and vehicles apart

●    Provide all round visibility for operators of vehicles

●    Maintain vehicles properly

●    Secure loads properly

●    Avoid the need to work at height on vehicles where possible

●    display clear site rules and enforce them

●    Don’t operate vehicles unless you are trained and authorised to do so

●    Machinery & equipment must be safe for usage

Employers are required to ensure that work equipment is

●    Suitable for the intended use

●    Safe for use and maintained in a safe condition

●    Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training

●    Fitted with the correct guards, suitable access walkways/platforms, visibility aids - for example, mirrors and CCTV

Here at W M Thompson & Sons, we provide a safe and efficient quarry services based in Glasgow. We are the proud suppliers of high quality quarry products that have been in production for almost 70 years. Our quarry in the heart of Dumbarton has grown to be one of the leading suppliers of gravel, sand and stone products in Glasgow and beyond. Get in touch to find out more.