One of the focus areas on our Europe Region 2020 Health and Safety Plan is isolation of equipment. We have repeated the self-audit of isolation arrangements across our operations in the UK a number of times since the tragic death of our colleague Jimmy Brownlie back in 2017.

However, analysis of the responses in INTELEX shows that we still have 243 none compliances:

• Cement – 16
• Supply Chain – 8
• Urbanisation Solutions – 59
• Materials – 243

Gaps in such a fundamental requirement are concerning, particularly where we have things like 15 sites reporting the operation of switches, valves and machinery are not clearly labelled, and nine sites where the use of master and duplicate keys for padlocks, trap key systems, etc. have not been prohibited.

Where sites have identified gaps in their isolation arrangements, they are asked to add improvement plans to the existing audits in INTELEX and to remedy any outstanding items at the earliest opportunity; the health and safety team are on hand to provide support as required. It would be great if we could report that everything has been closed out well before the third anniversary of Jimmy’s death on the 13th May…..

Also, it may be a good time to remind everyone to always LOCK OUT…TAG OUT…TRY OUT, ensuring equipment is isolated before starting work, and always following the Safety Essentials.