HSQE Communication Bulletin - November 2025¶
Document Reference: COMM_HSQE_11_2025
Issue Number: 1
Issue Date: 03/11/2025
Review Cycle: Monthly
Controlled By: HSQE Consultant
Document Type: Communication Bulletin
Document Control Information¶
| Rev | Changes | Date | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Initial Issue - November 2025 HSQE Updates | 03/11/2025 | Aaron Mason |
Executive Summary¶
HSE annual injury statistics published; Wessex Water faces £11m enforcement package; ISO 14001:2026 transition preparation begins.
HSE Annual Statistics 2024/25 — Published 20 November¶
HSE released the headline figures for the year to March 2025:
- 124 worker fatalities — down from 138 the year before
- 0.37 deaths per 100,000 workers — the lowest fatal injury rate ever recorded
- Falls from height remain the single biggest cause: 35 deaths, over a quarter of the total
- ~680,000 self-reported non-fatal workplace injuries
Relevance to AMWS: Excavation and trench-side work, vehicle/plant interfaces, and unguarded edges on temporary works are all height-adjacent risks. The pattern is unchanged year-on-year — falls from height remain the priority risk class.
Wessex Water — £11m Enforcement Package¶
On 11 November Ofwat consulted on accepting an £11 million enforcement package against Wessex Water for breaches in operating its sewage treatment works and sewerage network.
Why this matters to AMWS: When water companies are under enforcement, contractor compliance gets scrutinised harder. Expect tightened sign-off on pollution prevention, RAMS quality, and incident reporting on all client sites.
Mental Health Consultation — Closes 5 November¶
The Construction Leadership Council's mental health consultation closes this week. The action plan is expected Spring 2026 — likely with new training and supervision expectations across the sector.
Action: Sean to monitor the outcome and update POL_HSQE_29 Mental Health when the action plan publishes.
ISO 14001:2026 — Transition Preparation Begins¶
ISO 14001 is being revised, with publication expected April 2026 and a three-year transition window. Key changes flagged:
- New clause on management of change for the EMS
- "Outsourced processes" wording extended to "externally provided processes, products and services"
- Better alignment with ISO 9001 / 45001 Harmonised Structure (good news for our integrated IMS)
AMWS plan: Gap analysis Q3 2026 post-Achilles audit; full transition by 30 September 2027 (well inside the deadline).
Winter Operations — Clock Change Reminder¶
Clocks went back 26 October. Operatives are now driving home in the dark for the first time this season.
- Headlights on dipped at dusk by default
- Increased pedestrian visibility checks at site exits
- Vehicle pre-use checks include lights, washers, wiper blades, tyre tread
- Watch for ice on private roads and depot yards from mid-November
Action Items for November¶
- ✅ Brief the team on HSE annual stats — falls from height + RIDDOR pathway
- ✅ Review winter driving — daylight changes, depot lighting, vehicle checks
- ✅ Confirm all CPD training is on track for year-end (Training Matrix APP_12)
- ✅ Plan Q1 2026 work — particularly Achilles UVDB B2 prep
- ✅ Pre-empt client EPA-methodology questions on next site visits
Looking Ahead to December¶
- Wessex Water enforcement decision expected mid-December
- Christmas / festive driving period — fatigue and alcohol awareness
- 2026 IMS programme finalised — gap closure tracker review
This document forms part of A M Water Services Limited's Integrated Management System and should be read in conjunction with the IMS Manual (MAN_01) and relevant Standard Operating Procedures.