From Safety to Strategy:
September in Focus
For the first time, we thought we’d share a glimpse into a month in the life at MLA. It’s been a busy one – here’s a snapshot of the wide-ranging support we’ve delivered.
HSE – Enforcements
This month, our team supported multiple clients facing HSE enforcement actions, including issues such as inadequate dust control measures, fall risks, and unsuitable RAMS identified during unannounced site inspections.
Our response involved preparing comprehensive and timely submissions to the regulator, conducting face-fit testing, and producing revised RAMS. As a result, enforcement notices were successfully closed, and projects were able to continue without costly delays.
Occupational health enforcement remains a core focus for the HSE. We continuously advise and remind our clients — from senior management to site supervisors — of their responsibilities, helping them stay ahead of regulatory expectations. By maintaining robust day-to-day controls and acting swiftly on our guidance, clients can significantly reduce enforcement risks and maintain project momentum.
Near Misses & Accidents
During September, we supported our clients in responding to seven separate incidents on site. These included:
- Stability issues involving loads and equipment
- Falling objects during periods of high wind
- Hot works activities narrowly avoiding a fire
- Falls through work platforms
- Unauthorised removal of collective fall protection
While each of these incidents highlighted avoidable risks, MLA’s role has been to investigate root causes, identify lessons learned, and support clients in implementing practical corrective actions.
Our focus is always on learning and continuous improvement, not blame. By working closely with site teams and management, we help strengthen safety culture, close procedural gaps, and significantly reduce the likelihood of similar events occurring in the future.
High-Risk Activities
From deep drainage excavations and highways works to the delivery of complex temporary works systems, MLA has needed to provide specialist support and guidance.
Our team advised clients on legal compliance, the requirements to procure competent designs, and the development of safe systems of work — ensuring that high-risk activities were planned and delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory standards
Critical Plans
We have supported a number of Principal Contractor clients in meeting their legal duties under CDM 2015 by developing comprehensive Construction Phase Plans (CPPs) and completing construction phase fire risk assessments.
Our involvement has spanned projects ranging from light industrial developments to high-value London residential refurbishments, ensuring that site activities are planned, coordinated, and controlled.
By integrating safety, fire prevention, and project sequencing considerations into these critical documents, we help clients start projects on the right footing.
Other Highlights
Alongside our core site safety and compliance work, we have worked with clients in a variety of other strategic areas, including:
- Supporting European contractors to prepare, tender, and successfully deliver projects within the UK regulatory environment.
- Translating occupational health testing and monitoring data into actionable site-ready procedures, helping clients strengthen their workforce health management and legal compliance.
- Guiding organisations through accreditations, tender processes, and audits — with particular focus on navigating the complex requirements of the Building Safety Act.