The ‘Target Zero’ action plan package will be launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 23 June next year at Hillhead 2009. An objective of the initiative includes a fully competent workforce by 2010. A number of high-profile speakers will be contributing to the launch event, to which senior industry executives, union officials and others involved with the health and safety advancement process will be invited. 

In addition, for safety reasons, in recent weeks development work has taken place at Hillhead quarry in the first phase of a long-term plan to split the 24 m high face at the exhibition site. Following a blast which yielded 12,900 t of stone, the layout now incorporates a ramp to a box cutting that will form the first section of the new bench. Below this is a lower bench, formed from material left over from the last show that will serve as the platform from which material will be loaded out.

Event organisers anticipate that both the HSE event and the new face layout will help maintain the appeal of Hillhead, which, despite the current economic climate, remains heavily booked. Hillhead 2009 will take place from 23 to 25 June 2009 at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, near Manchester, England. For further information, visit the new Hillhead 2009 website at: http://www.hillhead.com/