Health and safety is the number one priority for the cement industry for its employees, contractors, end-users and those who are neighbours to its operations.
MPA Cement and its members have committed to Vision Zero – to ensure that everyone goes home – Safe & Well Every Day. Vision Zero is built around eliminating the causes of ‘The Fatal 6’. The high consequence hazards that analysis has shown are responsible for the majority of fatalities, serious injuries and long-term ill health in the industry. The strategy is to focus on these hazards in the work environment and, through a wide range of measures, achieve zero serious incidents or fatalities associated with ‘The Fatal 6’ by 2025.
Key health & safety publications can be viewed and downloaded at Health & Safety (mineralproducts.org) and www.safequarry.com.
MPA also runs two campaigns specifically designed to address public safety issues:
Although cement is easy to use, it is important to follow the correct safety precautions. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn to ensure people do not suffer allergic dermatitis, irritant dermatitis or burns.
The following tips are designed to help you use cement in a safe manner but you should always follow the safety information on the cement, mortar or concrete product you are using:
For further guidance, please refer to the HSE Cement: Construction Information Sheet, which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis26.pdf.