The latest UK Safety Alert relates to a High Potential (HiPo) Incident in the UK where a hinged discharge chute on a concrete plant collapsed – thankfully, there were no injuries.

The Alert outlines several learning points, which are relevant across our operations, including:

• Inspection Schemes – Do we ensure inspection schemes are robust and incorporate all relevant equipment, including Statutory Examinations of, for example, lifting equipment and pressure systems?
• Risk Assessments / Safe Systems / Operators Manuals – Have Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work been developed based on manufacturer’s instructions? Are user manuals available for reference?
• Suspended Loads – Is access beneath suspended loads restricted, preferably with physical barriers?
• “Line of Fire” – Is everyone aware of the importance of keeping out of the “Line of Fire”?
• STOP & THINK / STEP IN – Do we Take 5 before starting a new activity and Take 5 Together if we see anything that may be unsafe?

Please review the Alert with your teams as appropriate, encouraging discussion about whether any of the learning points are relevant to local operations and if additional controls are required.  You can find the Alert on the UK News website: here

Please share the Alert on all workplace notice boards.

Thanks go to the Readymix team for reporting the HiPo incident and sharing the Alert, thereby giving us all the opportunity to take preventative action, minimising the potential for future injuries.

Health and Safety information and resources can be found at the following location: https://cemex.sharepoint.com/sites/UKHealthandSafety/SitePages/Safety-Alerts.aspx?web=1