WITH the school holidays starting, I would like to appeal to parents to ensure their children stay safe – by staying out of quarries this summer.

Already this year, two teenage boys have been killed after entering quarries. A 15-year-old drowned in a quarry in Derbyshire, whilst an 18-year-old fell to his death in a quarry in Warwickshire.

Both quarries were old workings protected by fences.

The danger is very real and with a warm summer expected, the Mineral Products Association is raising awareness to try and prevent any more tragic deaths.

The message is simple – Stay Safe... Stay Out.

It is not only illegal to trespass in quarries, but it is also extremely dangerous.

Our members take their responsibilities seriously.

Many liaise with local schools to deliver the safety message, they’re in regular contact with the emergency services and regularly check their perimeter fencing.

Some sites even use CCTV and security guards.

But perhaps more importantly, we need the help of parents, teachers and youth workers.

Please keep your children safe by ensuring that they are aware of the dangers posed by trespassing in your local quarry.


SIMON VAN DER BYL, executive director, Mineral Products Association