The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Safety, Plant & Operations Committee met on 15th July, with strong attendance from across the FPS membership.
Key Updates & Actions:
- – Veteran Employment & Armed Forces Covenant – A discussion was had on supporting Armed Forces leavers. The FPS is considering signing the Armed Forces Covenant as a Federation, enabling member firms to engage with the veteran community. Participation in military job fairs was also discussed, with a recommendation for FPS representation and veteran involvement at stand level. It was agreed at a subsequent meeting that the FPS Executive will progress signing the Covenant and coordinate Federation attendance at upcoming fairs.
- – Safety Alerts & Incident Reporting – All members were reminded to continue submitting safety bulletins using the new FPS safety alert template. The new two stage approach allows an initial bulletin to be issued promptly post-incident, followed by lessons learned in the second part of the bulletin cycle. All alerts are now housed within the members’ portal and shared with the wider European EFFC community to support broader learning. The FPS has reissued a link to the new template and urged members to ensure their functional teams are engaged in the revised process.
- – Training Alignment-Super Sector Skills Project – As part of the wider Building Safety Act response, the FPS is contributing to a CITB led Super Sector Skills Project, focused on aligning training and competence frameworks across piling roles. A working group has been formed to define standards for key occupations. The FPS is playing a lead role in ensuring piling sector representation in this initiative and will extend an invitation to include other UK based foundations sector groups.
- – CITA/Sheffield College Apprenticeship – Apprenticeship uptake remains variable; a recommendation was made that every FPS member company aim to take on at least one apprentice annually. A positive update was shared in relation to the Sheffield College Piling Apprenticeship, delivered via CITA. Flexible start dates, block-release format, and enhanced technical content were noted. Employers raised queries about schedule visibility and alignment with internal procedures, while highlighting the value in terms of social impact and client expectations. and to support the apprenticeship programme.
- – Apprenticeships & Endpoint Assessment – A sector-wide shortage of qualified endpoint assessors is limiting apprenticeship progression. FPS members were urged to identify experienced personnel who could be trained to complete the assessments, training funded by NOCN. The FPS will encourage member take-up and will regularly report on the number of assessors attending the NOCN training
- – Quarterly Safety Statistics (Q2 2025) – The committee reviewed FPS incident data for Q2. While overall incident rates remain stable, concerns were raised about high workloads and under-reporting. Notable patterns include time-of-day spikes and machinery-related events. Stored energy hazards are also receiving national attention, with new cross-industry research underway. A stored energy questionnaire has been shared, and members were encouraged to report near misses robustly.
- – Concrete Pumping & Blowout Procedures – Recent research by Swansea University continues to shape understanding of CFA concrete blowout risks. Interim FPS guidance is being finalised and will be incorporated into future FPS member audits. Trials of alternative flushing materials are underway. A September webinar will share results, and a training video has been produced.
- – Abnormal Loads NPCC Guidance Update – The Vice Chair of the Heavy Transport Association presented new guidance on abnormal load movements following industry-wide engagement with the NPCC. Improvements include a standardised 30-day notification period, substitution flexibility, and more consistent enforcement. The FPS has been invited to formally participate in the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG).