CDM 6 Months on ....

Why was CDM 2015 introduced? The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, define legal duties for the safe operation of UK construction sites. The regulations place specific duties on a series of duty holders to plan their approach to health and safety throughout the life of a construction project; from its inception, to its subsequent, and final demolition and removal. CDM 2015 was designed to tighten up the communication and co-operation amongst workers and key duty holders to further reduce the risk of fatalities and serious injuries whilst working on construction sites. The regulations apply across all construction sites, from the very large commercial sites, to the smallest domestic contracts, everyone involved is accountable for ensuring the health and safety of those involved. CDM 2015 came into force on the 6th April 2015, the transitional period of projects that were started before this date expired on the 6th October; therefore all projects should now be run under the 2015 regulations. The Duty Holders CDM 2015 cites three 'main' roles for managing the health and safety of a construction project, these are the Client, the Principal Designer and the Principal Contractor. There is no longer a CDM-Coordinator. Project Notification A project is now notifiable if the construction work is scheduled to: • last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working simultaneously at any point in the project • exceed 500 person days Where a project is notifiable, the Client must give notice in writing to the HSE, as soon as is practicable, before the Construction Phase begins. What issues have arisen? If we ignore the fact that many ‘duty holders’ still are unaware of the changes in CDM, a number that are aware, reveal their reluctance to take on the responsibilities that the new regulations have placed on them. In commercial projects, it’s the role of the other duty holders to advise the Client of his responsibilities. This is failing to happen, in many instances, where Designers are reluctant to take on the Principal Designer’s role, and therefore purposefully failing to advise the Client of his responsibilities to appoint the Designer, formally in writing, as the Principal Designer, meaning the responsibilities of the Principal Designer remains with the Client. As all projects regardless to their size, whether they are domestic or commercial projects, lasting for an hour or 5 years, have to have a completed Construction Phase Plan, this has put a huge financial and time restraint on all contractors, including domestic builders that historically fell through the accountability net. Few domestic builders seem to be aware of the changes in the regulations, which, considering there has been no advertising or even notices displayed in builder’s merchants nationally, it is hardly surprising that they don’t know that they have to produce a Construction Phase Plan for painting a skirting board. The HSE has targeted domestic builders since the changes in the regulations, yet still the message is not being communicated to domestic builders through a forum to which they have access. The regulations has changed to incorporate more paperwork, confusing accountability and a huge financial burden to the contractor – only time will tell if construction sites become safer as a result of it. If you need further advice on the changes; require a Construction Phase Plan or even want to undertake online CDM2015 Awareness Training to not only demonstrate your commitment to understanding the Regulations, the responsibilities of all of the duty holders, and the documentation that needs to be completed and by whom, then contact Safety Services Direct Ltd on 01237 477931 or email info@safetyservicesdirect.com

For more information on CDM 6 Months on .... talk to Safety Services Direct Ltd