Infrastructure & Engineering Health and Safety Consultancy

Independent support for complex work

Major engineering and installation work brings together specialist contractors, very large equipment, temporary arrangements and work areas that change by the hour. The organisations doing the work hold the operational responsibility. An independent health and safety adviser adds a second, objective view of how the work is being carried out, and a structured record of it.

This service is for organisations such as:

• Equipment manufacturers delivering and installing plant on site
• Principal contractors and specialist contractors on infrastructure projects
• Client organisations that want independent observation of contractor activity
• Project teams planning a heavy transport, lifting or installation operation

What we provide

• Independent safety observation

  An experienced practitioner on site during agreed activities, observing work in progress against the established working arrangements.

• Structured reporting

  Daily safety reports with photographic progress records, in a format agreed at the start, so there is a consistent record of what was observed.

• Escalation of concerns

  Clear, timely escalation of anything that needs attention, through routes agreed with you before work starts.

• Document review

  Review of RAMS and safety documentation before mobilisation, with practical comments. Approval of method statements and lift plans remains with the competent people responsible for them.

• Interface and coordination support

  Attention to the points where different teams, equipment and work areas meet, which is where arrangements are most often stretched.

• Close-out summary

  A summary of the engagement and the observations made, for your records and future planning.

Where advisory support fits

Being clear about responsibilities is part of doing this work properly. An independent adviser supports the people who hold legal and operational duties. It does not replace them.

Featherstone Safety does not provide engineering design, lifting supervision, temporary works design, statutory certification or specialist inspection, and does not take on dutyholder appointments unless that is expressly agreed in writing.

How an engagement works

1. Initial discussion. The operation, the organisations involved, the site and what you need from an independent adviser.
2. Scope and responsibilities. A written scope setting out attendance, reporting format, who we report to and how concerns are escalated.
3. Pre-mobilisation review. Relevant RAMS and safety documentation reviewed before work starts.
4. On-site support. Observation and advice during the agreed activities, with daily reporting.
5. Close-out. A summary of the engagement once the operation is complete.

We work on individual project engagements, and we are happy to discuss longer-term support. Availability depends on existing commitments, so it helps to get in touch as early in your planning as possible.

Relevant experience

Featherstone Safety has provided independent health and safety advisory and observation support during two major super grid transformer installations, working alongside HD Hyundai Electric and specialist heavy transport contractor Collett Transport. After the first, we were requested to return for the second.

• The first transformer installation

  Delivery and installation of a 300 tonne super grid transformer using a girder bridge heavy transport system.

• Requested back for a second installation

  A repeat appointment covering heavy transport, temporary support, SPMT movement, skidding and final lowering.

Thomas Featherstone holds the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and IOSH Managing Safely, is a Technical Member of IOSH (TechIOSH), and has eight years in safety-critical work. About Thomas Featherstone.

What you can expect

• Direct access to an experienced practitioner, not an account manager
• Proportionate consultancy sized to the operation, not a standard package
• Practical site support from someone used to working around heavy equipment and specialist teams
• Structured professional reporting you can rely on as a record
• A clear definition of scope and responsibilities before any work starts

Related services

• Risk assessments and RAMS written around how the work is actually done
• Inspections and audits with findings you can act on
• Retained health and safety support for organisations that want advice on hand
• Construction contractor case study

Frequently asked questions

Does an independent safety adviser replace the principal contractor?

No. Statutory duties stay with the dutyholders, such as the client, principal designer and principal contractor under CDM 2015, and with employers under health and safety law. An independent adviser observes, reports and advises. Responsibility for directing and controlling the work remains with the appointed contractors.

Can you approve our lift plans or method statements?

No. Lifting operations must be planned and supervised by competent people, and method statements are owned by the organisations carrying out the work. We can review documentation and comment on it, observe the work and raise concerns, but approval remains with those responsible.

What do your daily reports include?

The activities observed, any observations or concerns and how they were escalated, and photographs of progress. The format and who receives the reports are agreed before work starts.

Do you work outside Oxfordshire?

Yes. Project support is available across the UK by arrangement, with travel and attendance agreed as part of the scope.

Can you support a single operation rather than a long contract?

Yes. Most infrastructure engagements are for a specific operation or phase. We are also happy to discuss longer-term support.