The final AGS Safety Working Group meeting of 2017 took place on 14th November 2017 in London and the Safety Leader, Adam Latimer of Ian Farmer Associates, has provided an update on the top three current issues the Safety Working Group are discussing.

Trial Pitting Guidance
Trial Pitting has been a staple tool used within the ground investigation industry to obtain good material descriptions, samples and test data. However, with numerous changes in legislation (e.g. working at height regulations), we need to ask ourselves whether the current methodology is still fit for purpose or whether we need to totally rethink trial pitting across the industry. The AGS Guidance on Trial Pitting is regularly reviewed by the Safety group and is one of the most popular downloads by AGS Members. The group are also working on the publication of an article specifically on trial pitting, which will be in a future issue of the AGS Magazine. The AGS Guidance for the Safe Excavation of Trial Pits can be downloaded here.

Safety Alerts/Near Misses
As an industry the reporting of safety alerts, near misses and accidents remains low compared to other industries. This vital information will allow both the AGS and wider industry to continue to improve in respect of H&S performance and awareness. We actively encourage AGS Members to report any safety alerts and near misses to the AGS so we can share learnings across the wider audience. As an industry, we all need to work collaboratively to improve H&S awareness.

Increasing Participation in the Safety Working Group
The Safety Working Group are a small and dynamic team, but they would like to increase member participation in the group, which is vital to maintain a fresh and vibrant approach to H&S topics. The Safety Working Group produces numerous guidance documents which are free to download to Members which can be viewed here. If you wish to be part of the AGS Safety Working Group, please contact the AGS Secretariat by emailing ags@ags.org.uk.