Groundworks compliance software for UK groundworks contractors

Excavations must be prevented from collapsing, by battering, shoring or other means, and people protected from falling materials and from falling in. Under CDM 2015, an excavation that could put someone at risk must be inspected by a competent person at the start of each shift and after any event likely to affect its stability, with the inspection recorded. Complys keeps your excavation inspection records and RAMS with the job. CDM duty checker →

Striking buried gas, electricity, water or telecoms is a major cause of groundworks injuries. HSE's HSG47, “Avoiding danger from underground services”, sets out safe digging practice, utility plans, locating devices (such as CAT and signal generator) and careful trial holes. HSG47 is guidance; the underlying duty sits under the Health and Safety at Work Act and CDM 2015. Complys stores utility searches and CAT calibration certificates ready for audit.

Work equipment must be suitable, maintained and inspected (PUWER 1998), and lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined at the required intervals (LOLER 1998), for example an excavator used for lifting. Complys keeps plant inspection records and LOLER thorough-examination reports against each machine.

Some groundworks, deep excavations, chambers, drainage and manholes, can be confined spaces, which carry specific duties: avoid entry where reasonably practicable, otherwise work to a safe system with emergency arrangements in place. Complys keeps confined-space training and permit records to hand.

CPCS and NPORS are plant-operator card schemes, and CSCS is the site-access card, none are statutory in themselves, but principal contractors and developers routinely require them. The underlying legal duty (PUWER 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work Act) is that plant operators are trained and competent for the machine they use; these cards are how that is commonly evidenced. Complys tracks each card, category and expiry.

Not legal requirements, but civil-engineering and infrastructure clients and principal contractors commonly ask for them before you get on an approved list. Complys keeps these certificates current and shareable. CHAS readiness checker →

CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) and NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme) are the recognised plant-operator card schemes. They are not statutory in themselves, but sites routinely require an appropriate card for each category of plant (360 excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers and so on). The underlying legal duty (PUWER 1998) is that operators are trained and competent for the machine; these cards are how that is commonly evidenced. Complys tracks every card and category with expiry alerts.

HSG47 is HSE guidance, 'Avoiding danger from underground services'. It sets out safe digging practice, utility plans, locating devices such as CAT and signal generator, and careful trial holes, to avoid striking buried gas, electricity, water and telecoms. It is guidance, not law in itself; the duty sits under the Health and Safety at Work Act and CDM 2015. Complys stores CAT calibration certificates and utility searches ready for site audit.

There is no single statutory 'groundworker's card', but an NVQ (for example Level 2 in Construction Operations / Civil Engineering, or specific highways, drainage and earthmoving pathways) is commonly required for CSCS card eligibility and as evidence of competence. Complys tracks NVQ records and refresher requirements per operative.

Civil-engineering and infrastructure clients require extensive compliance, SSIP accreditation, a full training matrix for all plant operators, CAT scanner calibration, LOLER records, RAMS for every job type, insurance and accident history. Complys puts everything in one shareable pack for a fast tender response.