The British Drilling Association (BDA) Health and Safety Sub-Committee and the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) Safety Working Group have announced a renewed collaboration that will see them once again working together to improve health, safety and wellbeing in the ground investigation industry.

Members of the AGS and BDA met in London on 5th November and an incredibly positive outcome was achieved. It was agreed that in January 2025, representatives from each organization will sit on both BDA Health and Safety Committee and AGS Safety Working Group meetings, with the aim of sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure a joint approach is taken to industry guidance and practice.

Paul Breslin, Chair of the BDA Health and Safety Committee, spoke enthusiastically about the collaboration, stating, “I am delighted that this partnership between the BDA Health and Safety Committee and AGS Safety Working Group has been renewed. By working together, we can ensure that the highest standards of health and safety is embedded across the industry. This collaboration is a significant step forward for the industry and will support both our missions to promote a safe and healthy working environment for all those who work in the sector. By sharing best practices and aligning industry guidance, the two organisations are paving the way for a safer, more secure future for the industry”.

Elizabeth Withington, Chair of the AGS Safety Working Group, welcomed the renewed collaboration, commenting that “Safety is at the core of everything we do in the industry. By the AGS and BDA working closely together there will be a deep understanding of all activities in the sector , helping to keep everyone from the newest operative to the seasoned HSE manager safe”.

As the industry prepares for this new era of collaboration, stakeholders can look forward to a unified approach that prioritises the wellbeing of all those involved in geotechnical and geoenvironmental work. With the BDA and AGS once again joining forces, a brighter future for health and safety in the industry is on the horizon.