Construction Site Safety
What regulations apply?
The CDM Regulations 2007 is the main UK legislation covering site safety, although other legislation relating to issues such as working at height, lifting, head protection, first aid etc. also applies.
When do the CDM Regulations apply?
The regulations apply to all construction work, as defined by the CDM Regulations, however there are different requirements depending on if the project is deemed Notifiable or not.
What is a Notifiable project?
A Notifiable project is where the Health and Safety Executive need to be notified of the works. The definition of such a project is where the work is likely to involve MORE than 30 days or 500 person days of construction work. A Non-Notifiable project is one that does not meet the aforementioned criteria.
What must a Client do on ALL projects i.e. Notifiable and Non-Notifiable?
- Appoint only individuals or organisations who are competent to undertake their element of work
- Ensure that all appointments are made early enough to allow the appointees time to carry out their duties effectively
- Ensure that management arrangements are in place prior to works commencing and that such arrangements are maintained during the project.
- Allow sufficient time for the design work and also the construction work
- Provide key information to duty holders
- Co-operate with all duty holders
- Co-ordinate their own work
- Be satisfied that any workplaces are designed to meet current related legislation
- Advise contractors of the minimum time allowed to plan their work between appointment and start on site
- Ensure that welfare arrangements are in place prior to works commencing and that such arrangements are maintained during the project.
What are the extra duties placed on a Client for a Notifiable project?
- To appoint a CDM Co-ordinator
- To appoint a Principal Contractor
- Not allow work to commence on site without a suitable Construction Plan in place
- Agree the contents of the Health and Safety File
- Maintain the Health and Safety File in a safe place and make it available to any person who may need it in the future
What is the role of the CDM Co-ordinator?
The Client has a legal duty to appoint a competent CDM Co-ordinator on all Notifiable projects. The CDM Co-ordinator is appointed to provide the client with a key project advisor in respect of construction health and safety management.
