Feature Stories
Managing Safety at the Concrete Operation
Workplace 30 October 2024
ACES Programme
The ACES (Aware – Correct and Comply – Enhance – Sustain) Programme is a new health and safety (H&S) initiative launched by the Concrete division under MCB. This comprehensive programme includes multiple modules that focus on safe work procedures, safe access, risk assessment and housekeeping.
In the initial stage of the programme, all plant employees, mixer truck drivers, material delivery truck drivers and contractors were briefed on the enhanced H&S rules and safe work practices, ensuring they are fully aware of the new requirements. Following these briefings, audits were conducted at each plant to evaluate compliance with the ACES Programme’s standards.
Based on the audit findings, corrective actions were implemented to address any unsafe practices and close identified gaps. These audits are conducted semi-annually to provide ongoing feedback to plant teams and measure progress. This continuous cycle of audits and corrective actions is designed to sustain the improvements made and ensure long-term safety performance.
Engaging Employees and Contractors
MCB actively engages with employees and contractors on H&S matters through regular toolbox talks and open dialogues at the workplace. Safety and Health Committee meetings provide a dedicated platform for employees to voice any concerns related to H&S, fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.
In addition to these formal engagements, site management regularly visits operational areas, directly interacting with workers. During these visits, they address any unsafe conditions or behaviours, whilst also reinforcing and encouraging safe practices. This hands-on approach ensures that H&S remains a top priority across all levels of our operations.
During major plant stoppages for maintenance, daily meetings are held between the H&S Team and contractors’ H&S coordinators. These meetings focus on discussing safety observations, addressing unsafe acts, highlighting best practices and reinforcing the safety requirements that contractors must adhere to.
Regular information sharing keeps both employees and contractor workers updated on H&S-related news, incidents and safety alerts. In the event of serious incidents, a detailed lessons-learned document is prepared and distributed. This document outlines the incident, identifies its cause(s) and specifies preventive measures, ensuring that all parties are aware and can take steps to prevent recurrence.
Equipping Employees via Training
To ensure everyone can perform their job safely, MCB provides comprehensive H&S training tailored to each employee's specific job scope. New employees working at their sites, as well as head office employees visiting plants for the first time, are required to attend a safety induction training led by qualified workplace safety and health personnel at the site.
For existing employees, site management and head office annually assess and identify training needs based on job functions. This includes refresher courses on effective safety management and best practices. Where relevant, these training sessions are also extended to contractors working on-site, as well as approved contractors involved in plant maintenance and services. This approach fosters an environment where employees and contractors can exchange ideas and share best practices, collectively strengthening their safety measures.
MCB continuously strives to enhance workers' awareness of workplace hazards and control measures. Training programmes cover general H&S induction and specific topics, such as forklift operation, Permit-to-Work systems, confined space safety, defensive truck driving and health-related subjects. This ongoing effort ensures that all workers are well-informed and prepared to maintain safe working environments.
Fire Emergency Training for Concrete Mixer Drivers
During the year, concrete mixer drivers participated in specialised fire safety training designed to equip them with the essential skills and knowledge to respond effectively to fire emergencies on the road. The training focused on identifying common fire hazards associated with vehicle operation and maintenance. Drivers received hands-on demonstrations on the proper use of fire extinguishers, ensuring they are prepared to act swiftly in an emergency. Additionally, they were trained in preventive measures to minimise fire risks during loading, unloading and transit.
The session concluded with a review of company policies and procedures for reporting incidents and seeking assistance. This comprehensive training has provided MCB’s concrete mixer drivers with the skills and confidence needed to mitigate fire risks effectively, ensuring their safety as well as that of other road users and surrounding communities.