UK-based Mineral Products Association (MPA) is using the support of parents whose children were killed in quarry trespass accidents to highlight the risk to other teenagers. The association’s annual Stay Safe campaign aims to raise awareness of the danger of trespassing in quarries.
UK-based Mineral Products Association (MPA) is using the support of parents whose children were killed in quarry trespass accidents to highlight the risk to other teenagers. The association’s annual Stay Safe campaign aims to raise awareness of the danger of trespassing in quarries.
A recent survey carried out by the MPA of UK quarry managers revealed that over 54% of the 400 respondents had experienced problems with trespassers over the last 12 months. The survey also showed that while adults are the worst offenders, it is the activity of teenagers that was the biggest cause of concern.
The Stay Safe campaign also hits out at irresponsible adults who fail to recognise that their own trespass leaves holes in fences for children to gain access and at those who post material encouraging trespass on the web.
“Adults who enter quarries while walking, dog walking or out of general curiosity may not appreciate that they are not simply putting themselves at risk,” said the MPA’s Elizabeth Clements. “They are also setting a bad example to younger people and leaving holes in fences which put them at serious risk. Our message is unless you are invited on an organised visit by a quarry operator, “Stay Safe…Stay Out of Quarries”.
Over the last two years, six teenage boys lost their lives in the UK in active or disused quarries. The campaign uses hard-hitting videos about the effect the accidents have had on the boys’ family and friends.
Lisa Skone, the mother of a 17-year old boy who was killed in an incident in 2004 has joined MPA’s campaign and said, “Danny died while riding a quad bike in a quarry in Ebbsfleet Valley in Kent. I do not want any other family experiencing what my family and friends have been through. Danny had been riding a bike since he was 13 and through a local club had been well trained. He and his friends did not appreciate the dangers they were exposing themselves to. I hope that by sharing my son’s story I will make others stop and think about what they are doing.”
