Safety campaign targets high-risk quarry industry

The objective of the campaign is to promote safer working practices in block making operations

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have launched a joint All Island Concrete Block Making Safety Inspection Campaign. 

The campaign will focus on block making operations and associated activities, with inspectors from both jurisdictions carrying out coordinated inspections across the island of Ireland. 

The objective of this campaign is to promote safer working practices in the manufacturing of concrete blocks using a mobile block making plant, which can present significant risks due to the routine use of large and powerful machinery. 

Inspection details 

During the campaign, HSENI and HSA inspectors will be seeking evidence of effective controls and compliance in the following key areas: 

• work-related vehicle safety, including pedestrian-vehicle segregation
• appropriate training for drivers of loading shovels and industrial trucks/forklift trucks
• safe systems of work for concrete manufacturing, block making, and strapping processes
• adequate isolation and Lock Out, Tag Out, Try Out (LOTOTO) procedures during cleaning and maintenance activities
• suitable guarding of machinery and conveyors
• functional and effective safety devices
• safe use of chemicals involved in the block making process 

Find out more about this campaign and the inspections. 

First published 11 May 2026