Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Drowning In Quarries

As the weather improves and schools are still out, we would like to ask all our quarry operators to stay alert to the risk of trespassers. 

With most leisure centres and swimming pools still closed due to COVID-19, open water such as quarry lakes may seem even more tempting for a quick dip. The good weather is also likely to encourage more young people and families to spend time outdoors, and even visit from other areas; the media has been reporting a significant increase in people travelling to scenic areas for leisure activities.

Disused quarries or sites that have recently been rendered inactive, particularly those with water, will be particularly alluring. Sites that already have a history of the public entering uninvited may be even more vulnerable in the present climate, as will those located close to urban conurbations.

Please ensure that you have checked warning signs, fencing, reviewed the public safety risk assessments for your sites and considered whether the measures are still appropriate.

For further guidance, RoSPA’s Managing Safety at Inland Waters is also available as a free digital download here. This publication contains advice and resources for Site Managers and Duty Holders at UK inland water sites. It reflects recent developments in criminal and civil case law. Topics include advice and practical examples on risk assessment, selecting and evaluating controls, creating and aligning water safety policies. You can also download the poster, pictured above, here:  https://cemexuknews.co.uk/downloads