British Aggregates Association

British Aggregates Association The BAA is recognised throughout
the industry as the voice of the independent quarrying & ready-mix operators in the UK

28/08/2026

Blasting: Get the Basics Right

Blasting remains one of the highest-risk activities in the quarrying industry and an HSE priority area.

Our Health & Safety Director, Roy Bush FIQ, highlights three recurring issues: poor communication among blasting teams, geotechnical specialists, and quarry operators; back-row holes not being drilled to the correct face angles; and inadequate edge protection around blast sites.

With the knowledge, technology and guidance available today, these are issues we should be getting right every time.

Roy is encouraging operators to review their blasting arrangements, particularly following recent industry incidents and the continuing risk of fly-rock.

Useful QNJAC guidance:

Information and engagement:
https://qnjac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/V4-QNJAC-3.2-Information-and-Engagement-Final.pdf

Drilling & Blasting Safety Guidance:
https://www.qnjac.co.uk/drilling-blasting-safety-guidance/

Drilling and Blasting Self-Audit:
https://www.qnjac.co.uk/drilling-and-blasting-general-self-audit/

This topic particularly supports *Competence and Compliance* within the BAA’s 5C’s Leadership Strategy:
https://british-aggregates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Five-Cs-Leadership-Strategy.pdf

Be safe. Do it right.

Minerals Cannot Be an AfterthoughtThe British Aggregates Association welcomes the stronger recognition of mineral supply...
25/08/2026

Minerals Cannot Be an Afterthought

The British Aggregates Association welcomes the stronger recognition of mineral supply within the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

This is an important step, but policy must now lead to action.

The UK’s ambitions for new homes, roads, energy projects and national infrastructure all depend on a secure and reliable supply of minerals. That means ensuring responsible operators have access to timely planning decisions, sufficient permitted reserves and the confidence to invest for the future.

The BAA will continue to push for a planning system that recognises one simple reality:

If Britain wants to build, it needs the minerals to build with.

Read the full story on Agg-Net:
https://www.agg-net.com/news/baa-welcomes-stronger-minerals-planning-policy

19/08/2026

I have been out and about a few times over the past few weeks, and one thing keeps striking me. I’m sure you won’t have missed it either; after all, it’s far from what we traditionally expect. What am I talking about? It’s been hot, very hot and very sunny.

I did raise this earlier in the year, but I think we are going to have to accept that recurring heat waves are likely to be an annual theme in the future and we need to be ready for them.

The Health and Safety Executive think the subject of working in hot weather is important enough to currently be featuring it on their main website landing page (www.hse.gov.uk). For even more information, visit their mini-website. BAA members can find useful health and safety resources, including toolbox talks, in the members area on the BAA website.

Look at the BAA’s 5C’s Leadership Strategy (Consistency; Capability; Capacity; Competence; Compliance); all five elements should be addressed to meet the required standard.https://british-aggregates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Five-Cs-Leadership-Strategy.pdf

Be safe, do it right.

Good Luck to Everyone Receiving Their GCSE Results Tomorrow!Tomorrow, young people across the country will be receiving ...
19/08/2026

Good Luck to Everyone Receiving Their GCSE Results Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, young people across the country will be receiving their GCSE results, and the British Aggregates Association would like to wish every one of them the very best of luck.

Whatever your results, this is just one step in your journey. There are many routes ahead, from further education and Apprenticeships to developing practical skills and starting a career in industries like quarrying, aggregates and minerals.

Our sector needs the next generation of skilled, ambitious people, and your future could be closer than you think.

Good luck for tomorrow from everyone at the BAA!

12/08/2026

Quarry Water: Please Check Your Site

With the summer holidays continuing and another period of hot weather expected, this week’s Lite Bite from our Health & Safety Director, Roy Bush Hon. FIQ, returns to the serious risks associated with bodies of water.

Hot weather can make open water extremely tempting, particularly to young people looking for somewhere to cool off.

We are asking quarry operators to take some time now to check the arrangements in place on their sites.

Is your risk assessment suitable and sufficient? Are the identified control measures in place? Are perimeter fencing and warning signs adequate and properly maintained? And, importantly, is appropriate rescue equipment, such as lifebuoys, throw bags, or rescue poles, available and accessible?

As part of that review, look at the BAA’s 5C’s Leadership Strategy – Consistency, Capability, Capacity, Competence and Compliance. All five elements should be considered and addressed to ensure the required standard is being achieved.

Find out more about the 5C’s Leadership Strategy:
https://british-aggregates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Five-Cs-Leadership-Strategy.pdf

People outside our industry may not understand the dangers associated with quarry water. We have a responsibility to do everything reasonably practicable to prevent access, communicate the risks and be prepared should an emergency occur.

Please check your site. It could save a life.
BAA member Reece Safety also provides its Quarry Safe Rescue Station. Find out more: https://www.reecesafety.co.uk/

Working together for a stronger, safer industry.

Stay Out of Quarry Water.As warmer weather continues, the British Aggregates Association is reminding everyone that quar...
10/08/2026

Stay Out of Quarry Water.

As warmer weather continues, the British Aggregates Association is reminding everyone that quarry water is not a safe place to swim.

What looks calm and inviting can hide extreme cold, sudden drops, submerged machinery, debris, unstable banks and few safe ways to get back out. Cold water shock can affect even strong swimmers within seconds.

Quarries are active industrial sites, not swimming areas. Ignoring signs or entering without permission can have devastating consequences.

Operators, please continue checking fencing, access points and warning signs, and help share the message within your local communities.

One swim is never worth a life. Stay out. Stay safe.

https://british-aggregates.co.uk/health-safety/

07/08/2026

Hot Weather, Hydration and Dust Control
With the recent hot weather, it’s worth checking that the right precautions are in place across site.

Roy Bush FIQ highlights the importance of making sure air conditioning units are working properly, whether they are in mobile plant, offices or other work areas, and that teams are reminded about hydration and protection from the sun.

Dehydration can easily be overlooked, particularly in air-conditioned environments. Headaches and dry throats can be warning signs, so people should be encouraged to drink suitable fluids regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.

NHS guidance recommends around 6–8 glasses of fluid a day, with more potentially needed in hot conditions:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

Dry weather can also increase dust from vehicle movements, conveyor transfer points, loading, unloading and stockpiling. All dust presents a risk, with RCS requiring particular attention, so effective controls and well-maintained air conditioning remain essential.

BAA members can access useful health and safety resources, including toolbox talks, through the members’ area of the BAA website.

The BAA’s 5C’s Leadership Strategy — Consistency, Capability, Capacity, Competence and Compliance — provides a practical framework for making sure the required standards are being met:
https://british-aggregates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Five-Cs-Leadership-Strategy.pdf

Working together for a stronger, safer industry.

Reduce Vibration Risk, Don’t Just Measure ItThe HSE and Health and Safety Matters are hosting a free webinar on vibratio...
06/08/2026

Reduce Vibration Risk, Don’t Just Measure It

The HSE and Health and Safety Matters are hosting a free webinar on vibration risk management for employers and organisations looking to better protect their workforce.

Wednesday 21 October 2026
10.30am–11.30am

The session will cover:

• The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
• What effective vibration risk management looks like
• When monitoring and measurement add value
• How to develop prevention-led control strategies

Employers have a legal duty to assess vibration risks, reduce exposure, provide appropriate controls, and ensure legal exposure limits are not exceeded.

Attendees can also put questions directly to HSE specialists during a live Q&A and will receive a CPD certificate.

Register free:
https://britishaggregateassociation.cmail19.com/t/t-l-wuuhyjl-tktdxhdit-y/

Why Become a BAA Member?Because the challenges facing your business should not be tackled alone.British Aggregates Assoc...
03/08/2026

Why Become a BAA Member?

Because the challenges facing your business should not be tackled alone.

British Aggregates Association membership gives you a stronger industry voice, practical advice and regular updates across planning, environmental matters, health and safety, training and transport. Members can also access specialist committees, member resources, industry events and support through initiatives including the AOS Scheme and DVSA Earned Recognition.

Stay informed. Be represented. Help shape the future of our industry.

Apply to join today:
https://british-aggregates.co.uk/members-application/

27/07/2026

Health & Safety Lite Bite - When Did You Last Check Your Hard Hat?

It's one of the most important pieces of PPE on site, yet it's often the one we give the least thought to.

Most of us inspect our hard hats for obvious damage, but how many of us know when they were manufactured or when they should be replaced? Exposure to sunlight, heat and everyday wear gradually weakens the shell and internal harness, reducing the protection it can provide when you need it most.

In this week’s Health & Safety Lite Bite, we look at the lifespan of a hard hat, what to check during inspections, and why replacing ageing or damaged PPE is an essential part of maintaining a safe workplace.

Sometimes the simplest safety checks are the easiest to overlook, but they could make all the difference.

Look at the BAA’s 5C’s Leadership Strategy (Consistency; Capability; Capacity; Competence; Compliance); all five elements should be addressed to meet the required standard.https://british-aggregates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Five-Cs-Leadership-Strategy.pdf

There is a useful hard hat checklist template available on the members’ area of our website - https://british-aggregates.co.uk/members-application/hands-guidance/

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