MPA launches annual Stay Safe campaign
Association once again seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of entering quarries uninvited
THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) has today launched its annual Stay Safe campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of entering quarries and other mineral products sites uninvited.
As widely reported in the media, the recent hot weather has already resulted in a number of water-related fatalities, including a death in Scotland and another in Northern Ireland in disused quarries, and the Association is urging all quarry operators to re-double their efforts to check their signs, fencing and other security measures prior to the extended bank holiday weekend and the school holidays.
The latest Stay Safe campaign draws on the results of the MPA’s recently completed survey of site managers which highlighted that 58% of the respondents had experienced trespass in the last 12 months. Of those reporting trespass, two thirds reported theft as being one of the main motivations.
The campaign, in addition to the core safety messages, will highlight industry concerns about the irresponsible actions of adults engaged in theft and other activities such as the so-called ‘urban explorers’ which put children and other young people at risk when they break down fencing to gain access.
The core of the campaign reinforces the activities already being undertaken by operators through activities such as school visits and quarry open days.
To support quarry operators and others involved with community engagement, a new video has been launched on YouTube which includes the comments of the friends and families of teenage boys who have been killed in tragic accidents when entering quarries uninvited. The short video also highlights the risks people expose themselves to when trespassing in quarries and other industry sites.
In addition to the video, the Facebook page Stay Safe Stay Out of Quarries that supports the campaign has been relaunched, and the MPA hopes that operators will encourage their staff to view this and share it with their contacts.
More information about the Stay Safe campaign and the resources to support quarry and other site managers can be found on the MPA website: www.mineralproducts.org
