Background

Hanson originally joined the Heidelberg Cement Group in 2007 to establish a premier market position in the Australian ready-mixed concrete and aggregates sectors. Since 2024, the company has operated under the global Heidelberg Materials brand, reflecting its evolution into a powerhouse of sustainable construction.

Today, Heidelberg Materials Australia manages a massive operational footprint, including 210 concrete plants, 71 quarries, and multiple asphalt and recycling facilities. This extensive network allows them to supply everything from essential sand and road base to advanced recycled materials for major civil infrastructure. As a 50% stakeholder in Cement Australia, the country’s largest cement company, Heidelberg Materials understands that their large-scale impact comes with a large-scale responsibility: keeping their thousands of employees safe from the unique dust challenges inherent in cement and aggregate production.

Problem

Heidelberg Materials already maintained a comprehensive, high-standard safety program. However, in an industry involving cement manufacturing and aggregate processing, the risk of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a constant challenge. Silica dust is a well-known respiratory hazard that requires proactive management under Australian WHS regulations.

Heidelberg recognized that even with the best on-site dust suppression, workers’ uniforms could still become carrier of fine particles. To maintain their commitment to continuous improvement in occupational health and safety (OHS), they needed a reliable way to ensure that dust was removed from personnel before it could be inhaled or tracked into shared areas.

Solution

In a strategic move to upgrade their quarry safety protocols, Heidelberg Materials partnered with Mideco to install Bat Booth® units across four key locations: the Glasshouse, Nerang, Ferny Grove, and Wolffdene quarries.

  • The booths were positioned to provide an immediate de-dusting solution for quarry workers, effectively neutralizing silica risks at the site.
  • By utilizing the Bat Booth’s NIOSH-compliant technology, workers can fully clean their PPE and uniforms in just 10 seconds, ensuring a safe transition from the quarry floor to crib rooms, break areas or offices.
  • These installations prevent the cross-contamination of work zones, ensuring that air quality remains high for all staff, not just those working directly with raw materials.

Result

By installing four Bat Booth units, Heidelberg Materials has reinforced its position as a proactive leader in worker wellbeing. This solution ensures that their staff are protected by technology that is proven, safe, and compliant with recognized global best practices. At Mideco, we are proud to support a company that shares our belief that no detail is too small when it comes to the health of the team.

Ready to see how a 10-second change can protect your entire team? Contact us today.