Aggregate Industries strives to increase site safety

11 Oct 2018

In a strive to improve health and safety in the highways sector, Aggregate Industries’ Contracting Division has introduced two-way radio headsets across all its sites.

Supervisors and banksmen within the business’ southern division were issued with the new gear, enabling them to talk directly to everyone onsite, and encouraging site workers to communicate in a respectful fashion. Using these helmets meant that hauliers and site operatives alike received direct, clear instructions by selected radio channels via headsets, as well as vehicle radios.

A six-month trial of the headsets took place, and by the end, all Aggregate Industries southern contracting teams supported the use of the two-way communication headset.

The trial demonstrated that the headsets could successfully cut out background noise over 82 decibels and facilitate clear communications over 10km, removing the need to shout within closer proximities. In addition, the headsets also allowed for an immediate response as and when required. Plus, they allowed hauliers and third-party suppliers to log in to a site-specific channel for instructions, contributing to the overall smooth running of a site.

Paddy Murphy, Managing Director of Contracting at Aggregate Industries, comments: “Health and safety is our overarching value within Aggregate Industries. As such, we take site safety very seriously and place importance on our pivotal role in raising safety standards across the industry as a whole. The benefits of these helmets are manifold: they prevent anyone in the team from working in isolation at any time, and teams can now raise an immediate alarm should unforeseen circumstances arise.

“In particular for me, the headsets also help to nurture a respectful working environment. A major issue across the industry, especially noted by lorry and sweeper drivers, is having to shout or wave their arms to get someone’s attention. Now, they can speak and communicate normally.”

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