Sombre summer for UK quarrying sector

Distressing period for the industry following two fatalities within the space of a fortnight

THE UK quarrying industry’s ongoing commitment and drive to improve health and safety in the sector has been shaken by the tragic news of two fatalities within the space of a fortnight – one at a major operator and the other at a smaller independent company. On Wednesday 21 June, Leicestershire Police were called to Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry, near Quorn, following a report of a man being injured. Sadly, 26-year-old Luke Branston, who was carrying out contract maintenance work at the site, subsequently died at the scene. Precise details of the incident have not been released and an inquest into Mr Branston’s death has been adjourned until 7 September 2017.

Twelve days after Mr Branston’s death came news that 57-year-old quarry worker Richard Marjoram had died of his injuries following an industrial accident at CESL’s Stainby Quarry, near Colsterworth. Lincolnshire Police said they were called to the site on Monday 3 July following a report of an industrial accident involving a heavy goods vehicle and an employee. Tragically, Mr Marjoram, too, was pronounced dead at the scene. With the HSE and police currently conducting investigations into both incidents, the quarrying industry itself will no doubt be reflecting on these fatalities and examining, as a matter of urgency, how best to revitalize the key safety messages in its bid to achieve the ultimate goal of zero harm.