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Industry: Mining & Quarrying

Introduction:

There are approximately 160 quarries and sand pits which employ about 3,800 people in Northern Ireland. In 2009 the industry produced approximately 21 million tonnes of aggregates.

The quarry network supports the building of new homes, schools, colleges and hospitals as well as providing materials for the construction and maintenance of the road and rail network.

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 the improvements.

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Key Issues:

  • 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 avoid most accidents.

    Some Dos and Don’ts

    Do

    • 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

    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 - mirrors/CCTV etc

Key Legislation

The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978

Quarries Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999

The Work at Height Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

Please note that these links are to the original legislation on the OPSI website, visitors should verify for themselves whether legislation is in force or whether it has been amended or repealed