BAA overhauls successful AOS Scheme
Association welcomes HSE endorsement of scheme and invites further collaboration from the industry
THE British Aggregates Association’s (BAA) Assessment of Operating Standards (AOS) Scheme, an accredited third-party assessment of quarry operations that has successfully provided independent oversight of health and safety compliance at AOS member sites since the first certificate was awarded in 2007, has recently undergone a comprehensive overhaul.
The BAA says the revision will guarantee the AOS Scheme’s continued effectiveness and includes appropriate references to both QNJAC and HSE guidance, to ensure it remains up to date with the latest industry requirements and standards.
The Scheme, which has played a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting continuous improvement in health and safety standards within the industry, is not for profit and non-mandatory, however participation in it demonstrates dedicated measures are being taken towards achieving health and safety compliance and continuous improvements in standards.
Mike Tetley, the HSE’s Chief Inspector of Quarries, said: ‘The BAA Assessment of Operating Standards Scheme provides independent oversight of the health and safety compliance at AOS members sites, set against established criteria aimed at regulatory compliance.
‘Whilst the AOS scheme is not mandatory for BAA members, the HSE advocates participation in such schemes as they are designed to benchmark or improve health and safety compliance. Also, participation in the scheme demonstrates that proactive measures are being taken in achieving health and safety compliance as well as continuous improvement in health and safety standards.
‘Quarries achieving successful accreditation will have demonstrated a good level of health and safety compliance, which is an important element of the health and safety management system. It also complements a requirement of the Quarries Regulations 1999, to review health and safety measures.’
As the sole provider of such a scheme within the industry, the British Aggregates Association has welcomed the endorsement from the HSE advocating industry-wide involvement. The Association says it looks forward to exploring opportunities for wider implementation and invites interested parties to contact Roy Bush, the BAA’s health and safety director, at: rbush@british-aggregates.com. Alternatively, for more information about the BAA Assessment of Operating Standards (AOS) Scheme, click here.
