HSENI announces workplace transport inspection campaign in Northern Ireland Quarries

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) will be carrying out a workplace transport inspection campaign across Northern Ireland quarries from June to September 2023.

HSENI inspectors will be conducting focused inspections to assess the management of workplace transport risks, targeting three key areas required to manage workplace transport effectively, and amongst other issues will include the following:

SAFE SITE

• Is there a traffic management plan in place for the quarry?

• Are pedestrians and vehicles adequately segregated?

• Is there suitable edge protection in place on haul roads and rock traps in place at faces adjacent to haul roads?

• Are there designated routes for pedestrians to travel around the quarry?

SAFE VEHICLE

• Are measures in place to ensure vehicle allround visibility?

• Are procedures in place to carry out pre-use checks and report defects?

• Is daily brake testing carried out on vehicles operating in the quarry?

• Have statutory examinations been completed for vehicles used for lifting?

SAFE DRIVER

• Do drivers hold adequate licenses / training certificates for the vehicles they are authorised to drive?

• Is there a programme of driver refresher training in place?

• Are there measures in place to prevent drivers falling from height during sheeting / loading activities?

Speaking on the upcoming campaign, HSENI Principal Inspector Brian Pryce said: “Unfortunately workplace transport continues to be an area responsible for fatalities and major injuries in the workplace. Beginning in June our Inspectors will be visiting quarries throughout Northern Ireland to ensure effective controls are in place to manage the risks associated with workplace transport.” The inspection template which will be used by HSENI Inspectors can be downloaded at www.hseni.gov.uk/quarryinspection-proforma