The FPS Safety, Plant & Operations Committee met early November to discuss key issues, including – Armed Forces outreach, safety alerts, incident reporting, apprenticeships, concrete blockage research, and guidance updates.
Key Updates & Actions:
- – Armed Forces Covenant – Several FPS members have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant to date. The FPS will now progress its own registration and encourage wider participation across the sector.
- – Transport & Movement – Enforcement remains inconsistent across UK police forces. Members were asked to record specific examples for FPS escalation. Legal compliance remains mandatory regardless of interpretation.
- – Safety Alerts & Incident Reporting – Adoption of the new two-stage safety alert template has been slow due to internal approval chains. To keep learning flowing, each company will now provide one verbal incident share per meeting, and the template will be reissued with the minutes.
- – Incident & Concrete Blockage Reporting – Data on blockages, particularly non-CFA, remains too limited to support ongoing Swansea University work. Members must ensure the QR code reporting system is visible and routinely used across all sites.
- – Training Alignment – Super Sector Skills Project – Work continues to define sector-wide Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Behaviours (SKEB). A gap analysis and follow-up action plans will help strengthen future competence frameworks.
- – NOCN Piling Apprenticeship – Apprenticeship intake remains low. The FPS and Sheffield College will refresh outreach materials, including case studies, FAQs and short videos, to better support HR teams and attract candidates.
- – FPS Member Audits – This year’s audit cycle is now complete, with a consolidated report due soon. The cycle has focused on ISO alignment and consistent interpretation of safe systems of work.
- – Reinforcement Supplier Verification – The shift from “Approved” to “Verified” suppliers is now in effect. No re-audits are required for existing verified suppliers, though some documentation is still outstanding.
- – Working Platform Certificate (WPC) – The updated WPC has been rolled out and welcomed, improving clarity on responsibilities for design, inspection and use.