The British Geotechnical Association’s Early Career Group (BGA-ECG) and Engineering Group of the Geological Society (EGGS) are pleased to invite you to our joint April event. The talk will provide practical guidance for engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers on aspects of health and safety from both the designers and contractors point of view. Jim will focus on buried obstructions and the process of changing hole locations unexpectedly. Whilst Alejandro will provide examples he has encountered in a unique marine construction environment in Central London.

The event will close with a Q & A session.

Jim Gelder.Jim is an Engineering Geologist with 25 years’ experience working in over 25 countries on site investigations and ground engineering construction projects in most sectors. Recent experience at Europe’s largest water treatment works and on a 150-year-old port have brought the hazards of unknown and unknowable buried obstructions and services to the forefront of Jim’s attention and he will discuss some of the outcomes and make some recommendations for future projects

Alejandro Zapata . Alejandro is a Quality Engineer and Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Health and Safety. He has an MSc in Health, Safety and Environmental management. He has been working in construction for the last 5 years and has experience in implementing quality, environmental and safety management systems. He has been extensively involved in spray concrete lining works, different methods of shaft construction, marine and confined space works. He works as a Health and Safety Manager for Tideway Central for the East sites (Blackfriars, Victoria and Albert Embankment) for the Ferrovial Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture.