The Case for an Independent Concrete Industry
In an industry that prides itself on the strength of its products, the weakest link in the UK's concrete supply chain might be its approach to safety.
Having recently completed an industry analysis for the British Concrete Transport Association (BCTA) on independent governance of the concrete supply chain, it's clear that a significant amount of work is needed in a short period.
The UK concrete industry is the foundation—literally—of nearly every infrastructure project, from housing developments to roadways. Yet, while the materials it delivers are essential to progress, its processes and standards don't meet the requirements of this unique industry, but are interconnected with the quarrying and minerals sectors.
The governance structure of the Ready-Mixed Concrete (RMX) sector is closely linked to the quarrying and minerals sectors, resulting in a complicated network of relationships that can undermine the concrete industry's independence.
This interconnection is evident in shared representative bodies, overlapping regulatory frameworks, and industry associations that serve multiple sectors at once.
Due to this complexity, decision-making processes frequently fail to adequately address the distinct challenges and needs of the RMX sector.
The cement sector's focus on sustainability and carbon reduction is a prime example of its interconnected nature. While not disputing the importance of these topics, the focus should be equally attributed to safety, compliance and standardising the concrete supply chain.
Introducing eMixers to the market has been transformational, but a greater understanding of the increased risks and protocols associated with electric vehicles is required.
Understanding the legal aspects of non-compliance with the requirements of the operators' licence doesn't need to be interpreted to suit the sector's needs.
The industry stands at a crossroads regarding safety and supply chain accountability. Once again, the role of the concrete delivery driver is in focus. The risks they face on-site, on roads, and during loading and unloading have never been greater, yet the industry lacks consistent safety protocols, training frameworks, and regulatory oversight.
While concrete is essential to the UK's infrastructure, the way it's delivered is overdue for scrutiny. From mixer rollovers to hazardous concrete wash water, the risks linked to the concrete delivery fleet—particularly for drivers and other road users—are now too significant to ignore.
In many other transport sectors, this kind of risk would trigger regulatory reform; yet, the evidence provided highlights how one major concrete supplier demonstrates just how far we are from consistent standards that would improve safety and prevent normalising risk. A worrying trend has emerged: mixer manufacturer safety and operating instructions are being ignored or overridden, often in the name of productivity or financial gain.
Further evidence and investigation reveal that some operators are not only comfortable with normalising risks associated with driving a fully loaded concrete mixer, but also encourage its use outside the limits of its safe operating protocols.
Mixer rollovers, unsecured loads, maintenance issues, non-compliance, and environmental hazards from wash water are not isolated risks—they're daily realities for drivers and the public alike. Add to that a culture of ignoring manufacturer safety guidance in pursuit of profit, and it won't bode well for those making the safety-critical decisions.
If other sectors can transform safety cultures, accountability, and enforceable standards, why can't the concrete industry?
Now is the time to transition from reactive fixes to proactive leadership—before regulators, insurers, or tragedy force us to do so.