Hills host MPA South West H&S event

CPD-accredited health and safety event takes place at Hills Quarry Products site in Calne

WILTSHIRE-based Hills Quarry Products hosted the 2017 MPA South West Region Health and Safety Awareness Day on 20 September at their quarry in Calne.

The event was opened by MPA health and safety director Kevin Stevens, who reminded the 69 delegates that they work in one of the most dangerous industries in the UK and encouraged them to challenge existing practices by being the eyes and ears of their fellow workers.

With the aim of promoting best practice, delegates were able to gain hands-on awareness and insight into some of the latest health and safety methods, including: understanding explosives; managing fire risk and equipment use; emergency response first aid; working at height and safe use of harnesses; electrical isolation and lock off; human behaviour for a safe working culture; respirable crystaline silica (RCS) and practical housekeeping; and transport and road safety, including vulnerable road users, safety checks and tyres.

The CPD-accredited event was delivered in nine 40-minute sessions with groups of delegates moving between the various training stations manned by service providers including Volvo Trucks, Tructyre, Bridges Electrical Engineers, Brigade Electronics, Chubb Fire, Abacus First Aid Training, Mentor Training and Safewell.

Peter Andrew, group director of Hills Quarry Products, said: ‘We are really pleased with how the day went and I am positive that all the delegates found it to be a valuable learning experience. My thanks go to everyone who put in such great efforts to make the day a success.’

Brian James, MPA director regions, said: ‘Such regionally based safety awareness events underpin the industry’s drive to improve working practices and reduce risk of injury to all employees. Three events have been held this year, at different locations, with individual companies making significant commitment to either host or provide delegates for the day.

‘The benefits are clearly evident from the level of delegate engagement on the day, but also in the transfer of knowledge back at the regular workplace.’