Unlocking the Power of Drones in Construction and Surveying

The construction and surveying industries are changing fast — and drones are at the heart of that change. Traditional surveys can be slow, labour-intensive, and often require people to work at height in risky conditions. Drone technology solves these challenges by delivering accurate data, safer workflows, and faster results.

Why Drones Make the Difference

• Speed & Efficiency – Drones can cover large areas in minutes, producing detailed images and data sets without waiting days for scaffolding or plant hire.

• Safety First – Inspections no longer require staff working at height or in dangerous areas. Drone surveys remove the risk while still getting the job done.

• Cost Savings – By cutting down labour hours, reducing equipment needs, and spotting problems early, drone surveys often pay for themselves quickly.

• Precision Data – Modern drones capture high-resolution images that can be used for progress tracking, inspection reports, and site planning. This provides decision-makers with reliable information to keep projects on track.

• Client Confidence – Aerial photography and video help stakeholders clearly see project progress, strengthening trust and communication.

How Spur Safety Can Help
At Spur Safety, we provide professional drone surveys and inspections for construction and surveying projects across the UK. Whether you need a quick roof inspection, a visual record of site progress, or detailed aerial imagery to support your survey work, our certified team can deliver.

We’re fully licensed by the CAA and follow strict safety protocols to ensure compliance and reliability. Our drone services are available as stand-alone surveys or as part of a wider health and safety support package.

Get in Touch
If you’re ready to explore how drones can save time and money on your next project, contact Spur Safety today.

What Is a Competent Person in Health and Safety – And Are They Truly Competent?

Every UK employer has a legal duty to appoint one or more competent persons to help meet their health and safety obligations. But while the term “competent person” is well-known, it’s also widely misunderstood.

At Spur Safety, we’re often asked:

👉 Can any employee be the competent person?

👉 Does it require formal training or qualifications?

👉 Can I outsource the role?

Let’s break it down — and explain how to get it right.

✅

What Does the Law Say?

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must:

“Appoint one or more competent persons to assist them in undertaking the measures they need to take to comply with legal requirements.”

In plain terms: if you’re running a business, someone needs to know what they’re doing when it comes to safety — and be able to help you act on it.

🧠

So… What Makes Someone ‘Competent’?

According to the HSE, a competent person must have:

• Sufficient training

• Relevant experience

• Practical knowledge of the tasks and associated risks

It’s not just about having a NEBOSH certificate or ticking a box. It’s about understanding the specific hazards in your industry and being able to put practical controls in place.

Examples of competencies include:

• Construction site safety knowledge

• Understanding of working at height, asbestos, confined spaces

• Manual handling risk assessments

• Fire risk understanding in public buildings

• Reporting and investigation of near misses or incidents

🚫

The Danger of “In-Name-Only” Competent Persons

Far too often, we see businesses assign the role of ‘competent person’ to:

• An office manager with no H&S training

• A site worker already overstretched with daily tasks

• A director who assumes it’s a paperwork exercise

The result? Gaps in compliance, missed hazards, rushed risk assessments, and poor incident response. This not only puts people at risk — it leaves you exposed to prosecution, fines, and reputational damage.

🛡️

How Spur Safety Supports Competent Person Duties

At Spur Safety, we offer:

✔️

Full Competent Person Services

For businesses without internal capability, we act as your external competent person — providing proactive support, inspections, training, and documentation.

✔️

Support for In-House Competent Persons

We mentor, guide, and supplement your internal team — giving them tools, templates, confidence, and backup from experienced consultants.

✔️

Industry-Specific Expertise

Whether you work in construction, property management, fire safety, or education, we tailor our support to your risks, responsibilities, and team structure.

🔍

Signs You May Need Help With Competent Person Duties

• You’ve had a recent near miss or HSE inspection

• You’re unsure who your competent person even is

• Safety paperwork is outdated or incomplete

• Risk assessments aren’t site-specific

• Fire, working at height, or COSHH procedures haven’t been reviewed in 12+ months

🗂️

It’s Not Just About Paperwork. It’s About People.

Being a competent person means making sure risks are identified, controlled, and communicated. It means ensuring staff are trained, equipment is maintained, and emergencies are planned for.

Ultimately, it’s about making sure everyone goes home safe — every single day.

📞

Need Support? Spur Safety Can Help.

We’ve supported dozens of businesses across the UK as their competent person — or by helping upskill their team to take on the role effectively. If you’re not 100% confident in your current setup, let’s talk.

🔗 Contact us today or email info@spursafety.co.uk

📍 Based in the UK – supporting clients nationwide

🛠️ Specialists in construction, property, fire risk, and drone safety audits