Case Study | Plant Operator

How would you outline your role? My job involves working as part of the quarry production team. My principal role is driving dump trucks, either moving material to and from the quarry face to the plant or removing overburden (moving dirt and clay material to get at the stone) as part of the restoration process. However, as part of my training I have worked in various parts of the quarry so can find myself helping in the block works, stock yard or in tile production. I am already an established, certificated operator of rigid mast forklifts and large, articulated, earth-moving dump trucks. What are your main responsibilities? I was not allowed to drive any machinery until I was 17. The first piece of machinery I mastered was the forklift, then I progressed to dump trucks. I help out on breakdowns or assist in the brick works stock yard. I am also responsible for the daily maintenance and greasing of my machine. What hours do you work? Until I was 18 I could only work a maximum of 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. However, I am now able to complete overtime and in normal circumstances would hope to work 7am to 5pm. At the moment we are working 7.30am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. What is your working environment like? The site is about 400 acres but the operational quarry area is about 40 acres. We have the main office area, a car-parking area, plus a workshop where we maintain the machinery. About 5 acres is for recycling construction and demolition waste. There is also a processing area for making bricks, blocks and conservation roof tiles. It can be quite noisy with all the machinery but we don't use explosives. Who do you work with? I am part of a small, dedicated team which includes people who have been doing this type of work for more than 25 years. I am one of three apprentices currently being trained by the company. What skills or qualities do you need? You need to be able to get up in the morning! The quarry starts early and if you are late you're letting down the team and putting pressure on your colleagues. You also need an intuitive mechanical sense because the machines are very expensive to buy and operate. You need to be able to sense when something is not right and stop before any damage is done. Why did you choose this type of work? My first taste of quarry life was for a week of work experience in 2007 when I was still at school. I enjoyed the variety, the physical side of the work and working outside. I also like being involved with different types of machinery. Have you done any training? My apprenticeship in mechanical engineering is run in partnership with South Worcestershire College. The company chose a general engineering course as this covers everything we do, from excavating to processing. It provides a good grounding from which to develop high class plant operators who fully understand the machinery. I hope to complete my NVQ Level 2 in the summer of 2010. As well as this I have had training on forklifts and articulated dump trucks, welding and hot work and grinding and cutting. The company runs a series of regular training seminars on relevant topics and issues affecting the business. I have also completed the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Working Safely course. Do you use any special tools or equipment? I mainly use the forklifts and articulated dump trucks and general hand tools used for maintaining the machinery. What do you like about your job? I enjoy being outside, doing different things each day and being around all the different machinery. I really enjoy going to college because they treat you as a person, not a kid. What are the main challenges? College examinations and getting time to revise for them. How do you see your future? Hopefully here at my present company, having learnt to drive and operate all the machinery including loading shovels, 360-degree dozers and maybe HGVs. In the future I will be a first class, all round pl

For more information on Case Study talk to Health & Safety Training Ltd