Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), has congratulated the quarry industry on its continuing drive to improve its health and safety performance.

Mr Callaghan's comments come after a recent visit to St Austell's Imerys china clay quarry. He said: "My first official visit as HSC Chair back in 1999 was to a quarry. At that time the industry had a poor safety record - its fatality rate averaged three times that of construction. Tough action was needed and, I'm glad to say, taken two years ago the industry reported a 52% drop in reportable injuries.

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"And now it is working towards 'Target Zero' - no reportable injuries by 2015 - a commitment which shows quarrying's ambition to be a world-class performer in health and safety. But the most recent injury figures have risen, so this can only be achieved if everyone in the industry plays their part. Involving workers in key issues, and ensuring training and competency will be pivotal in meeting the 'Target Zero' goal.

Ivor Bowditch, Imerys Community and Public Relations Manager said: "We are delighted to welcome Sir Bill Callaghan and his colleagues from the Health and Safety Executive. The Company has a proud record with regard to health and safety and Imerys is committed to meeting the industry's 'Target Zero' goal."

In 2000, the quarry industry adopted 'Target Zero', which builds on the highly successful 'Hard Targets' initiative (which achieved a 52% reduction in reportable injuries over a five year period).

(LC/SP)