Video tribute to dad wins prestigious award

Lafarge awarded Wimpey Minerals Trophy for poignant health and safety video on dust-related respiratory disease

A POIGNANT yet powerful health and safety video featuring reflections on a father who died from respiratory disease earned Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK the Wimpey Minerals Trophy for occupational good-health initiatives at the recent MPA Health and Safety Awards 2011.

In the film, brothers Mick and Andrew Lambert, who both work at Dry Rigg Quarry, in North Yorkshire, speak emotionally about their father’s illness, highlighting the dangers of dust-related respiratory disease while stressing the need to stick to safety standards.

Maurice Lambert, a former quarryman at Dry Rigg, suffered from silicosis and although in his 80s and not in the best of health, it was originally his idea to bring forward the issue of dust and respiratory disease. Sadly, he died in August 2010 before being able to realize his aim.

Despite their loss, both Mick and Andrew decided to honour their father’s memory by completing his wish. They agreed to make the video which was shown to Lafarge employees at a major company event just months later in January 2011.

Maurice developed silicosis during a long career in the quarrying industry when health and safety standards were not as rigorous as today. But the video aims to show that even the most stringent standards are futile unless people follow them and take responsibility for their own actions.

At the awards ceremony, Mick and Andrew received individual recognition for the essential part they played in the making of the video.

Dawn Edwards, head of health, safety, quality and environment at Lafarge, said: ‘This video is important because we are sticking our head above the parapet and talking about the potential dangers faced in our industry – dangers which, though more prevalent in the past, are still a concern for today.

‘Our message, though, is a positive one. It’s all about raising awareness, educating about standards and striving to improve those standards, not only at Lafarge but across the industry, ensuring we reach our goal of zero harm.’

‘I can’t praise Mick and Andrew enough for taking part in this video at what was a very emotional time for them and I am delighted they have also received the recognition they deserve.’