Health and Safety Minister visits Leaton Quarry

HEALTH and Safety Minister Dr Alan Whitehead MP visited Johnston Roadstone’s award-winning Leaton Quarry in Shropshire last month to hear more about its industry-leading health and safety standards.

Last September the quarry beat off competition from over 230 entrants to score a double success in the national QPA Health and Safety Awards — winning the top award for outstanding overall excellence in health and safety as well as an award for the best SME (see Quarry Management, Nov 2001).

Accompanied on his visit by HM Inspector of Health and Safety, Peter Yoxall, the Minister met with management and staff at the site and was given a guided tour of the quarry to see for himself some of the health and safety innovations that have been put in place.

Describing the quarry as ‘a beacon for others’, Dr Whitehead said: ‘We as a government are committed to raising the profile of health and safety — from the shop floor to board level — and to cut the number of deaths and injuries at work. But that sense of responsibility and impetus for change needs to come from the top.

‘The QPA works hard to achieve real improvements in health and safety and best practice, and its award to Leaton Quarry is clearly merited.’

The QPA’s health and safety specialist, Martin Isles, was present during the visit to update the Minister on the latest industry developments and concerns, especially those connected with the current progress of European health and safety legislation.