The AGS Safety Working Group provides a platform where industry safety guidance and developments can be shared and promoted to the industry. Paul Breslin, Chair of the BDA Health & Safety Sub-Committee, regularly attends the AGS meetings and delivers a summary of BDA safety developments. Using the AGS platform, there is now an opportunity to share these BDA safety developments to everyone working within the site investigation industry.

Liz Withington, Chair of the AGS Safety Working Group commented that this BDA/AGS collaboration will now become a regular feature in the AGS magazine, reporting on recent developments every quarter.

The BDA Health & Safety (H&S) Sub-Committee met mid-November. The attendees shared updates around hydraulic hose safety, CP rig wind loadings, whole body vibration monitoring, transport compliance, occupational health, and audit administration.

The precis from the November 2025 BDA meeting is presented here:

• Hydraulic Hoses Position Paper Final Review – The committee confirmed that the updated Hydraulic Hose Position Paper is ready for publication. A short, practical visual inspection will be incorporated into pre-operational checks, supported in future by a training video (to complement, not replace, hands-on instruction).
• Cable Percussion Drilling Wind Loadings – A contractor query led to discussion on appropriate operating limits for CP rigs in high winds. Manufacturers’ guidance and crane industry recommendations (BS7121 inspired) will be adapted into a BDA advisory document for wider member awareness, and a safety alert will also be issued.
• Rotary Drilling Non-Compliant Set-up on Social Media – An instance of non-compliant rotary rig presentation on a social media platform was reported. This will be reviewed offline, with follow-up advice to be provided.
• Whole Body Vibration Testing for Sonic and Vibratory Activities – Initial whole body vibration results were presented and found to be well within exposure limits. Further assessment across full rig fleets will continue, with findings to be shared at future meetings.
• Towing & O-Licence Requirements – BDA Auditors have reported ambiguity regarding trailers over 3.5 tonnes and the requirement for a restricted O-licence. Further regulatory clarity will be sought to inform a consistent industry position and ensure members understand compliance expectations.
• Mental Health Communications – A seasonal mental health blog focused on isolation during the Christmas period was prepared and promoted to BDA members, as part of the committee’s wider occupational health focus.
• BDA Audit Administration – 22 audits have been completed this month, with activity easing towards year-end. To improve the flow of H&S-related information, the BDA membership application form will be updated to capture the designated H&S contact for each member company.
• Safety Guidance Review – Committee members will review the latest Safety Guidance Status Report ahead of the next sub-committee meeting.

Next meeting is taking place on 5th March 2026.

Image credit: British Drilling Association