The Conference at Geotechnica 2017 will focus on just four key topics: the recent AGS BDA Task Force Survey results, an update on Standards, Occupational Health and Safety and finally Improvements and Future Advancements for the geotechnical industry.
Each session will feature only two key speakers that will deliver informative and focussed talks on their topic. These talks will then be followed by panel discussion around the subject. We will be encouraging attendees to participate in the productive discussions around these topics in order to aid industry development and growth.
If you would like to be part of these discussions and hear what industry leaders have to say on the direction of the UK Ground Investigation industry, then register to visit Geotechnica for free here.
The respective bodies of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) and British Drilling Association (BDA) will update the industry on the AGS/BDA 2016 survey results. The key high and low lights of the survey will be discussed in an open forum so that areas which require further discussion and debate can be identified and to determine what the challenges may be for the industry moving forward.
Neil Parry
AGS Chair and Technical Director,
Geotechnical Engineering Ltd
Martin Brocklesby
BDA Vice Chair and Contracts Director,
Geotechnical Engineering Ltd
Click here to view the presentation for this session.
Ken Marsh
Chairman,
Ian Farmer Associates
Adam Branson
Principal Geotechnical Engineer,
CGL
UK technical experts involved in the Standards revisions will update the industry on work being carried out by the UK within the numerous working parties and committees. The barriers to following the Standards and possible reluctance to following the Standards will be discussed as well as improvements to the Standards which would assist the industry to comply and improve standards. This session will include a brief review and Standards update and implications for carrying out ground investigations in the UK.
13:30 – 14:00
Professor David Norbury
Director,
David Norbury Ltd
Talk Title:
2020 Vision – Where are we going?
14:00 – 14:30
Matthew Baldwin
Technical Director,
Soil Engineering Geoservices
Talk Title:
Standards –who needs them? With particular reference to BS EN ISO 22475-1
14:30 – 15:00
Discussion
Our industry has made great advances in its approach to Occupational Health and Safety but what are the implications for not following H&S legislation. What are the expectations from todays' ever demanding Clients and the UK enforcement bodies including HSE. How does the HSE use European legislation and UK common law and what are the implications of BREXIT. How as an industry can we better meet the challenges of health and safety in our unique workplace including welfare, control of dust, HAVS, manual handling, mental health and fatigue.
10:30 – 11:00
John Underwood
Construction Inspector,
HSE Construction Sector Safety Team
Talk Title:
Managing HSE's expectations and what happens if it goes wrong?
11:00 – 11:30
Jon Christie
BDA Safety Chair and Health and Safety Advisor,
BAM Ritchies
Talk Title:
Current and future occupational health and safety considerations for the industry
11:30 – 12:00
Adam Latimer
Chair of AGS Safety Working Group and Regional Director,
Ian Farmer Associates
Talk Title:
As trial pitting has significant risks relating to working at height, buried services, asbestos – How will it remain a cost-effective investigation method? - Discuss
The industry is continually striving to overcome the challenges of working safely, efficiently whilst improving quality. The challenging ground conditions found in the UK, Client expectations and low margins provide unique challenges to the plant and personnel. We will hear about how plant manufacturers are rising to the challenge and also how changes to the Land Drilling NVQ will help to raise the bar whilst providing a clear career path for the drill crews.
13:30 – 14:00
David Jones
Chief Engineer Geotechnical, Reservoirs and E&S,
United Utilities
Talk Title:
Feedback from United Utilities CP Working Party
14:00 – 14:30
John Bussey
Qualification Development Manager,
MP Awards
Talk Title:
Introducing the new Drilling MPQC NVQ - L2 Diploma in Drilling Operations
14:30 – 15:00
Discussion
