MPA site safety summit

MPA to host meeting in Central London to discuss public safety at former quarry sites

THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) is to host a summit in Central London early next month, to discuss public safety issues around disused quarries in Great Britain.

The summit follows six water-related deaths over the summer. All six fatalities involved members of the public and all occurred at former quarry sites.

The MPA says this reflects the experience from previous years where the majority of fatalities and injuries occurred on quarry sites that are no longer operational nor in the ownership or control of the industry.

In many cases the sites have been returned into private or local authority ownership, or have been restored for use as a public amenity or nature reserve.

The summit plans to involve: those parties who may own or have responsibility for the management of these sites; the emergency services and safety organizations; appropriate regulatory bodies; environmental groups; and representatives from sporting and recreational organizations.

Nigel Jackson, chief executive of the MPA, said: ‘Through our annual Stay Safe campaign, we work hard with our members to minimize risks and raise public awareness of the potential hazards.

‘However, I believe that by coming together and sharing our knowledge and experience, we will be able to better manage the public safety issues associated with these disused sites and to prepare better for 2014.

‘We have had a positive response from many of the organizations that we’ve invited but would be pleased to hear from any other organizations who would be interested attending the summit.’

The summit will be held at a location (to be announced) in Central London on Monday 4 November.