Irish safety seminar

"A significant proportion of the industry’s senior personnel were among the 230 delegates who attended Ireland’s 2nd Annual Quarrying Health and Safety Seminar, which took place last month at the Athlone Institute of Technology."

"Sylvester Cronin, vice-chairman of Ireland’s Health and Safety Authority (HSA), opened the seminar, which comprised eight different presentations on the theme of ‘Practical safety management and worker training’."

"The keynote speaker was Martin Isles, environmental, safety and training manager with the UK Quarry Products Association, who gave an informative presentation, including short video clips, on innovative and practical safety ideas."

"The seminar was organized in conjunction with all the key players involved with the industry including Athlone IT, SIPTU (Services Industrial Professional & Technical Union), ICF (Irish Concrete Federation), CIF (Construction Industry Federation), IBEC (Irish Business & Employers Federation), IMQS (Irish Mining & Quarrying Society), and IEI (Institution of Engineers of Ireland). Over 20 trade exhibitors also took part, ensuring that delegates had plenty to occupy them between presentations."

The event was part financed by the European Union through the Safety and Health Commission for Mines and Other Extractive Industries (SHCMOEI).

"Although quarrying remains a priority area for the HSA, it hopes that events such as this, which form part of the ongoing quarries five-year initiative, will raise awareness within the industry and, in the long term, greatly reduce the number of serious and fatal accidents."

"‘However, making funds available is only half the story and much greater emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring the delivery of projects on the ground. The Government is already behind the programme it set itself as part of the last CSR, and much more effort must be put in to ensuring that the Government’s new targets are met.’"