Health, Safety, Ethical & Environmental
The latest news from the Stone Industry
Extinction Rebellion protestors in London. Concerns about the environment are growing again.
Photo: Paul Slade www.planetslade.com
American company NSF International has flagged up the possible threat of food contaminants in untested quartz worktops.
Concern over silica dust in Australia has led to action taken against 100 firms in New Zealand, reports news broadcaster.
The overturned dumptruck following an incident in which the driver died.
Picture: HSE
Lime as mortar for use with stone construction is just a small part of the lime industry, as is clear from the British Lime Association's report.
Most companies producing sandstone masonry in the UK understand the risk from silica dust and take appropriate precautions. The same is not always true in the worktop market, especially outside the factory environment when fixing.
£600,000 fine for HAVS offences.
Is it safe? HSE will be checking on bridge saw safety in quarries in the new year.
The construction industry is getting behind a new scheme designed to simplify and strengthen the construction prequalification process.
30 people died in the construction industry in 2018-19, half of them as a result of falling from height.
The Health & Safety Executive has updated its guidance on hand-arm vibration and its vibration calculator spreadsheet.
Silica dust from cutting stone, engineered quartz and concrete can be a killer. HSE will be visiting construction sites in October and November to make sure you are getting it right.
This is a picture of a young man in a small British worktop fabrication factory cutting a piece of engineered quartz. It is not staged. He is not wearing a mask and although there is a water wall it is behind him as he sends RCS out into the workshop. Conditions like this are leading to silicosis among people employed in making worktops. It is becoming a growing concern around the world.
HSE is running a HAVS refresher course at the HSE training centre at Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire, on 2 October. You can book your place(s) here.
Pictured above is a mason using a pneumatic chisel. All power tools pose a potential vibration risk to the user and companies that ignore the risk are facing severe penalties when prosecuted as well as leaving themselves vulnerable to compensation claims and subsequent rises in insurance premiums.