Risks and hazards in the stone crushing plant

Abstract

Based in a real scenario, this research project set out to study a real life situation where a health and safety officer would have to intervene in one of the most difficult sectors within the construction industry, and to come up with proposals for real solutions for improvement. It is based on an existing crushing plant which is in operation at one of the local construction plants. A wide range of literature was taken into consideration for identifying risks and hazards in stone crushing plants. Primary data was collected through participant observation and consultation with people involved in the running of a crusher plant. Personal hands on experience helped in combining a practical expect to theoretical data on risks and hazards. Various studies identifying risks and hazards of different types of plants in use around the globe were compared, with the literature review drawing particularly on the stone crushing industry in India. One of the local crushing plant was then compared to plants from other countries. The results indicated that risks and hazards in crushing plants in Malta are no different from other countries but rather comparable and similar. A thorough review of the local legislation demonstrates that we have a good structure of legal notices in occupational health and safety Act. This notwithstanding still accidents happen all the time. Recommendations include practical adaptations and interventions to the plant being studied. Recommendations include also an approximate cost, of the major control measures. A change in culture, and commitment from workers and employers is required to enforce health and safety at workplace.