Quarries could be closed down under a major workplace safety initiative, operators were warned today.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said unless the quarry sector had improved its efforts to follow regulations on workplace health and safety issues, legal action would be taken against owners and operators.
Tom Beegan, chief executive of the HSA, said two people have died in the sector so far this year.
"That was two too many in a sector where zero fatalities should be achievable if all involved took appropriate care. Zero fatalities achieved in 2004 followed by five fatalities in 2005 shows that mistakes are very unforgiving when they occur in this sector," Mr Beegan said.
The HSA will hold a Quarry Safety Week from September 18th to 22nd next that will focus on some of the main causes of fatal incidents, such as machinery and vehicle safety issues.
"Last year's figures alone were an indication that the industry is just not getting the message on workplace health and safety," Mr Beegan said.
Inspections carried out by the Authority last August resulted in legal action being taken against 43 operators of quarries, sand and gravel pits, manufacturing units and contractors.
The HSA said it believes quarry operators have failed to get the message.
PA