The contracting division of Aggregate Industries has introduced two-way radio headsets across all of its sites nationwide, in a bid to improve health and safety.
The firm said that although radio headsets were initially viewed by workers as too cumbersome or impractical, resistance to using them changed “dramatically” during a trial which saw supervisors and banksmen within the business’ southern division issued with the new equipment.
The radios allow workers to talk directly to everyone onsite and Aggregate Industries found they also encouraged site workers to communicate with each other in a respectful fashion.
Using these helmets meant that hauliers and site operatives alike received direct, clear instructions by selected radio channels via headsets, as well as vehicle radios.
By the end of the six-month trial, all of Aggregate Industries’ southern contracting teams supported the use of the two-way communication headset.
Other advantages included the fact that they cut out background noise over 82 decibels, facilitated clear communications over 10km, removed the need to shout within closer proximities, and allowed for an immediate response as and when required.
Paddy Murphy, managing director of contracting at Aggregate Industries, comments: “Health and safety is our overarching value within Aggregate Industries. As such, we take site safety very seriously and place importance on our pivotal role in raising safety standards across the industry as a whole. The benefits of these helmets are manifold: they prevent anyone in the team from working in isolation at any time; and teams can now raise an immediate alarm should unforeseen circumstances arise.
“In particular for me, the headsets also help to nurture a respectful working environment. A major issue across the industry, especially noted by lorry and sweeper drivers, is having to shout or wave their arms to get someone’s attention. Now, they can speak and communicate normally.”
