Reporting Health & Safety Risks On Quarry Sites

There are several different hazards and risks associated with working on a quarry site, with the chances of being exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals, fumes or prolonged use of heavy machinery all capable of causing health concerns both in the long and short term. In this article, we aim to provide a clear guide on how to recognise associated risks, and how to report them, in the event they occur.



Understanding The Risks

There are a high quantity of potential health, safety and welfare risks associated with working on a quarry site, largely down to the physical work required, as well as the potentially toxic, dusty and noisy atmosphere of the quarry site itself. Here, we analyse some of the key risks an employee may face when working on a quarry site, from physical pain to respiratory disease. 

Physical Hazards

Working in a quarry comes with a high physical demand placed on employees, with excavation and processing work on quarry sites considered a highly hazardous occupation. Below are some of the considerable physical health and safety risks one may encounter on a quarry site, particularly during the process of excavating sand or stone.

●     Working at height

●     Operation of machinery/equipment

●     Vehicle use

●     Risk of stone or sand collapsing

●     Working on or near water

●     The use of explosives

As you’d expect, each of these activities comes with its own degree of hazards and health risks, with strict procedures and protocols in place to reduce the chance of an accident or injury occurring on-site.

Health Hazards

Typically loud, dusty and physical environments, quarries can be linked to a number of serious health risks and hazards, with the likelihood of developing the following health issues considerably high:

●     Hearing loss

●     Musculoskeletal injuries

●     Dermatitis

●     Asthma/respiratory disease

Continued use of heavy machinery or vehicles can lead to back injuries from exposure to vibration, particularly if running on poor quality surfaces, whilst the respiratory concerns are severe, with dust, debris and even chemicals all circling the atmosphere, with prolonged exposure resulting in respiratory troubles.

Staying Safe

As an employer, you will have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of your employees working on a quarry site, with safety equipment, risk assessments, PPE and safe working practices all implemented to reduce the levels of risk associated with working on a quarry. Below, we highlight some of the key practices you can consider on your quarry site to ensure the continued health and safety of your employees at work.

Risk Assessments

Managing your risks on your quarry site is essential in ensuring the continued safety and welfare of your employees, with several recognised hazards all capable of causing harm. Carrying out regular risk assessments will help to identify any pressing issues or dangers present on your quarry site, with specific actions and safety procedures implemented in response to their threats.

Competent Persons

An individual or group of individuals tasked directly with ensuring the safe operations of machinery on-site are referred to as ‘competent persons’. These individuals will be highly trained and will typically hold a valid QSCS (Quality Skills Certification Scheme) card to prove their credentials. When working on a quarry site, a competent person must be there to supervise at all times, notably in the event a manager or designated safety representative is unavailable.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, often referred to as PPE, is vital in protecting employees on your quarry site. Hard hats, eye and hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, respiratory protection and steel-capped boots are all considered necessary requirements when working on a quarry site. High-visibility clothing, in particular, is of extreme importance, helping to reduce the risk of an accident occurring on-site, thanks to the increased exposure provided by the bright, luminescent attire.

Safety Training

Site-specific training is a legal requirement for quarries, meaning it’s of the highest importance that all of your employees are well versed in the necessary training procedures, particularly when operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery. Arranging consistent training sessions in conjunction with your health and safety team will ensure your employees are appropriately trained and their welfare is secure on-site.

Keep Your Distance

When operating heavy machinery on a quarry site, it’s important to remember that you must keep a safe distance between your machinery types at all times. Quarries typically have low visibility due to the amount of dust circulating in the atmosphere, so ensuring you maintain safe distances on-site will prevent the risk of accidents or collisions occurring on-site.

Reporting Health & Safety Risks

If, as an employee, you ever come across an issue that you believe may result in potentially serious injury or accident, you should raise these concerns either directly with your employer or through the use of a third-party, such as a union or health and safety representative who operates independently. A union representative will be able to act on your behalf, voicing your concerns, while still allowing for anonymity. Below, we look at some of the key ways in which an employee can report health and safety concerns they may have recognised on a quarry site.

Employers

If you are an employee who has recognised a potential health & safety risk on your quarry site, consider it your utmost obligation to report it. Every worker has the right to make suggestions and consult with their employer on matters directly regarding their health and safety at work, so never be afraid to voice your particular concerns. Your employer must consider your concerns, before making a decision on whether they believe it is important and appropriate to take any action in relation to the issue.

Safety Representatives

On many quarry sites, a particular individual is selected by peers to represent them as the safety representative. A safety representative will be tasked with reporting any potential issues relating to health, safety and welfare on-site on behalf of their fellow employees. Entitled to investigate any complaints or accidents, they will likely carry out a number of inspections to make suggestions on improving the overall safety of your quarry site.

Union Representatives

Much like a safety representative, many quarries will have an elected union representative on-site, who can represent on behalf of their trade union members, voicing their concerns over health and safety matters. As an employee, you should report any potential hazards or welfare risks to your union representative, so they can make the necessary amendments required through direct consultation with the employer.

Near-Miss Reports

In the event of a near-miss, i.e, when there was the serious potential of an accident occurring on-site that is narrowly avoided, employers will sometimes require quarry workers to complete and submit what is known as a ‘near-miss report’. A near miss report should be read and acted upon by the quarry manager or health and safety representatives on-site, as this can go a long way in preventing accidents, serious injury or financial loss in the future.

Workplace Contact Unit

In extreme cases, and in particular, when an employee believes that their concerns, report or representation has gone unheard by their employers, an employee can make contact with HSA’s Workplace Contact Unit. The unit is set up to help resolve these issues, however, in the event this is not possible, the complaint may be further referred to an inspector.

WM Thompson & Sons LTD - Plant Hire & Waste Disposal

At William Thompson & Son, we’ve always had an outstanding attitude towards health and safety and industrial maintenance. All our machinery is inspected and maintained regularly to ensure it’s both safe and reliable. Thanks to our outstanding attitude towards health and safety, William Thompson & Son have become a major employer in Glasgow. We’re proud to be helping the local economy and we do everything we can to contribute to the community. We’re proud to be helping the local economy and we do everything we can to contribute to the community. Contact us today.