MPA beats health and safety ‘Hard Target’ by a wide margin

RECORDING a reduction of 65%, the MPA has beaten its health and safety ‘Hard Target 2009’, which aimed to halve the 2004 total of reportable injuries by the end of 2009.

The cement industry, now represented by MPA Cement, posted an even more impressive 81% reduction in lost-time injuries over the same five-year period (2004–2009).

Looking back further, over the last 10 years the industry achieved an 83% reduction in work-related injuries.  

MPA chief executive Nigel Jackson said: ‘The mineral products industry is deservedly recognized for achieving significant reductions in work-related injuries through a combination of top-down commitment and resolute leadership, coupled with genuine worker involvement and trust. This evolving culture, when combined with a determination to develop a fully competent workforce, is proving a winning combination.’

Looking to the future, the MPA has now rationalized its data gathering for all activities, and members have committed to the following new target structure:


Overarching MPA health and safety target

• Expectation of zero harm.

Interim five-year MPA targets (based on 2009 calendar year)

• 50% reduction in the lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) for direct employees in the period 2009 to 2014 (LTIFR for direct employees in 2009 was 3.59 per million hours worked; the end-of-2014 target is 1.79 or less).
• 50% reduction in lost-time injury (LTI) numbers for contractors in the period 2009 to 2014 (the LTI number for contractors in 2009 was 41; the end-of-2014 target is 20 or less).

Commenting on these new targets, Mr Jackson said: ‘The industry recognizes that in spite of proven progress, it still has a long way to go and, therefore, has set itself by far the most ambitious targets in its history. The ‘easier wins’ are no longer there; so to achieve success in the coming years will require ingenuity and resolve, the likes of which other industries will find hard to match.

‘MPA is already targeting the whole of the supply chain, starting with an intense focus on the design of mobile plant. Another major area of development relates to health and the establishment of lead performance indicators.’

For further information contact Martin Isles on tel: (0207) 963 8000; or email: martin.isles@mineralproducts.org