Stricter measures to be brought in at quarry sites

The proposed new regulations mirror laws in the UK

Stricter controls are set to be introduced at quarry sites on the Isle of Man to improve standards for workers and prevent accidents.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) has asked Tynwald to approve the new regulations next month.

They are intended to modernise legislation dating back to the 1950s and mirror changes to similar laws in the UK, Defa said.

A Defa spokesman said the changes would include improved training and standards, mandatory risk assessments, alongside stricter rules around machinery operation and site safety.

The update follows a consultation with Manx quarry operators, who said they already followed the UK standards as "good practice".

The new regulations will also give the industry regulator, the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate, more powers to oversee compliance.

'Essential'

There are several quarries around the island, including both private and government-owned sites, extracting materials such as sand, gravel, dolerite, and granite.

Minister Clare Barber said: "Quarrying is essential to our island's infrastructure, but it is a high-risk activity."

She said the new laws would ensure "workers and operators have the safeguards they need" while helping the department "align with best practice".

"These regulations bring our legislation up to date," she added.