A season of opportunity and responsibility
As summer settles in, many of us are looking forward to a well-earned break and time with family and friends. One of the things I value most about the Institute is our sense of community. We collaborate professionally, but we also take time to connect socially. This month, it is brilliant to see the South Wales branch hosting its Summer Ball, a fantastic event for members across the region to enjoy.
While we rightly celebrate our industry and the people in it, we must never lose focus on our shared responsibility to keep our operations as safe and efficient as possible. This is essential not only for ourselves, but for every colleague across the sector.
Over the past few months, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors have delivered a variety of informative presentations across IQ events, industry partner sessions, and at EPC-UK Best Practice Seminars. These have offered timely insights into the key focus areas the HSE will address in upcoming inspections. Staying informed in this way helps us all to maintain high standards and be better prepared for operational challenges.
One topic that repeatedly comes up in these sessions is the inconsistency between geotechnical plans and drilling and blasting plans. In some cases, the link between the two has not been clear or consistent enough. As the Institute and the secretariat of the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC), we are well placed to help resolve this.
In the past, we have seen success through joint working groups between QNJAC Geotechnical and Drilling & Blasting subgroups. I will be raising this issue at the next QNJAC board meeting, with a view to update guidance and develop tools that support more integrated, aligned planning.
Bringing industry experts together to identify issues, share knowledge, and produce practical solutions is one of our greatest strengths. As new or updated guidance is developed, we will distribute it widely through our branches, partners, and across all relevant channels. Our branches, in particular, play a key role not just in sharing guidance, but in enabling meaningful conversations that help members reflect and improve.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, we hope to see increased investment in infrastructure. With that comes the potential for increased production. It is crucial that we are ready, not just in terms of output, but with the right training, systems, and safety culture in place.
As a collective, let us make it our shared commitment to prioritize our own continuing professional development (CPD) and to support our colleagues in doing the same.
Together, we can ensure that as our industry grows, it does so safely, responsibly, and with the professionalism that defines us.
Ben Williams
