There has been a 76 per cent decline in deaths and injuries at the UK’s quarries in the past ten years following the launch of the Hard Target initiative in 2000.
Judith Hackitt, chair of the Health and Safety Executive, praised companies, trade bodies and unions for working together to improve the industry’s record in the past decade.
With quarries being operated in a much safer environment than they were at the start of the new millennium, companies are now more likely to be allowed to expand their mineral extraction operation, potentially increasing demand for belt conveyors.
Speaking at the Hillhead 2010 quarry exhibition, Ms Hackitt urged the industry to renew its commitment to Target Zero, which intends to see reportable injuries reduced by a further 15 per cent by 2015.
"The quarrying industry has demonstrated what can be achieved when an industry sector commits to improvement in health and safety," she said.
"Reaching the new goals will require even more hard work, determination and the development of new approaches."
