Strengthening Safety, Accountability & Confidence at SurePile

Background

SurePile, a specialist provider of foundations and groundworks services, previously worked with an outsourced health and safety provider that reviewed risk assessments but required SurePile to produce policies, risk assessments, and undertake site visits independently. This arrangement offered limited support and placed a heavy burden on internal staff.

Following a discussion with FM-Partnership and a demonstration of the quality and thoroughness of its safety documentation, SurePile recognised the value a proactive consultancy could offer. Impressed by the clarity, structure, and practicality of FM-Partnership’s work, SurePile made a significant commitment—paying for a full year of support upfront and appointing FM-Partnership as their retained health and safety partner.

FM-Partnership’s Role

FM-Partnership quickly became fully integrated into SurePile’s safety management framework, acting as the company’s official Competent Person and outsourced health and safety consultant. Over the first period of engagement, FM-Partnership delivered:

• A complete suite of new risk assessments
• A full review and amendment of existing assessments
• Development of method statements, site-specific documentation, and company policies
• Strategic advice to strengthen compliance and improve workforce safety culture

This partnership created a solid, legally compliant safety structure and gave SurePile the confidence that expert support was always available when needed.

The Incident: Concrete Pump Overturn on a Developer’s Site

SurePile was contracted by a building developer to complete foundations and footings on a large construction project. Once SurePile’s work was completed, they subcontracted a reputable concrete pumping company to carry out the concrete pouring.

During this process, after SurePile had finished for the day and were packing up to leave site, a concrete pumping rig overturned, causing significant damage. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The building developer immediately:

• Blamed SurePile and their subcontractor
• Demanded an investigation
• Sought compensation for delays and productivity loss
• Insisted that SurePile submit a RIDDOR report to the HSE

SurePile felt the demands were unreasonable and suspected important facts were being overlooked. They immediately contacted FM-Partnership for support.

FM-Partnership’s Independent Investigation

FM-Partnership attended the site the next day to carry out a thorough, unbiased investigation. During an earlier visit, FM-Partnership had already noted shortcomings in the building developer’s own safety management, which raised concerns about the validity of their accusations.

Upon arrival, representatives from the building developer attempted to:

• Influence the investigation
• Steer the conclusion toward SurePile being at fault
• Demand visibility of all investigative outcomes and evidence

FM-Partnership refused all such pressure, focusing solely on representing and protecting their client, SurePile.

Evidence Gathered

The investigation included:

• Photographs and site measurements
• Witness statements
• Discussions with concrete pumping operatives
• Review of SurePile’s documentation
• Cross-referencing of events and timelines

Key Findings

FM-Partnership’s report concluded:

• SurePile had completed their works safely, professionally, and with full compliance.
• The subcontracted concrete pumping company had also followed correct procedures during SurePile’s managed phase.
• After SurePile had finished for the day, the building developer instructed the concrete pumping contractor to use remaining concrete on other plots.
• These additional instructions occurred after SurePile had demobilised and were no longer managing the activity.
• In their attempt to be helpful, the concrete pumping crew proceeded without the correct ground assessments or stabilisation checks under direction from the developer.
• This resulted in unstable ground conditions, leading to the overturning of the pump rig.

In short:

SurePile was not responsible for the incident.
The developer failed to follow correct procedures.

Handling the RIDDOR Pressure

FM-Partnership verified the incident details directly with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The HSE confirmed: a RIDDOR report was not required.

Despite this, the developer continued to pressure FM-Partnership to submit the RIDDOR. FM-Partnership refused, reminding the developer that:

• FM-Partnership worked for SurePile only
• If the developer believed a RIDDOR was necessary, they should submit it

Later, the developer consulted their own outsourced safety provider – who never attended the site and did not speak with FM-Partnership – and they also confirmed no RIDDOR was required.

Outcome

SurePile shared FM-Partnership’s detailed report with the developer, who then circulated it to another construction firm for an independent view. This third-party also:

✔ Confirmed no RIDDOR was needed
✔ Agreed with FM-Partnership’s findings
✔ Accepted that SurePile was not responsible

As a result:

• SurePile was allowed back on site
• All demands for compensation and reparations were dropped
• SurePile’s reputation was fully protected
• FM-Partnership’s role as a trusted, competent safety partner was reinforced

This incident demonstrated the power of:

• Independent investigation
• Competent representation
• Strong safety documentation
• Standing firm in the face of external pressure
• Protecting a client’s legal and professional position

Conclusion

FM-Partnership’s expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to acting in the client’s best interests enabled SurePile to:

• Strengthen their health and safety systems
• Meet compliance requirements with confidence
• Navigate a serious incident without blame
• Protect their business from financial and reputational harm
• Maintain operational continuity
• Establish FM-Partnership as a long-term safety partner and Competent Person

This case is a clear example of how robust health and safety support not only improves daily operations but also becomes invaluable when a business faces unexpected challenges, scrutiny, or unjust blame.