QPA Health & Safety Awards now open to all

THE Quarry Products Association has opened up its annual Health & Safety Best Practice Awards Scheme to all with an interest in the quarrying and quarry products industry, and has launched a quick, easy-to-use online entry system.

On the basis that health and safety best practice is to everyone’s benefit, irrespective of its source, the Association says it now welcomes online entries from all companies in the supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, suppliers, contractors and consultants, as well as quarry companies who are members of any trade association and quarry companies who are not members of a trade association.

This will ensure that the sector benefits from the widest possible range of ideas from all those with a stake in the quarry products industry. Last year’s record-breaking event saw over 200 entries into the scheme, which is arranged across a number of criteria reflecting health and safety priorities for the industry.

For 2008, some amalgamations and improvements to the criteria have been made, with the schedule now covering: Occupational Health, Hygiene and Welfare; Slips, Trips and Falls (including from height); Management of Contractors and/or Hauliers; Worker Involvement; Prevention of Bitumen Spills; Technical Initiatives; Training Initiatives; and Management Initiatives.

Trophies will be awarded for the outstanding entry in each category along with certificates of merit recognizing best practice. Overarching awards for both small and major companies will also be presented for across-the-board achievement.

Companies can now enter the awards scheme through the QPA’s new online entry system, designed to make participation easier and quicker than before – visit the Safequarry.com website using the web link below and then click the gold Awards button on the home page. The submission deadline is Friday 28 March, with the 2008 awards ceremony itself taking place on Friday 17 October.

For further information and advice on entering the scheme, contact Martin Isles, the QPA’s director of health and safety, on tel: (0207) 963 8000.