CDM 2015 in brief
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 apply to all construction work, from a small refurbishment to a major new build. They set duties for each party involved: the client, the principal designer, designers, the principal contractor and contractors.
Commercial clients are often surprised by how much the regulations expect of them. A client must:
- make suitable arrangements for managing the project, including enough time and resources
- appoint a principal designer and a principal contractor where more than one contractor will be involved
- provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors
- make sure a construction phase plan is in place before work starts
- make sure a health and safety file is prepared where required
- notify the HSE (form F10) if the work will last more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers at any one time, or exceed 500 person days
For domestic clients (people having work done on their own home), most client duties pass to the contractor or principal contractor.
How we help
- Client CDM advice: understanding and meeting your duties as a client
- Pre-construction information packs
- Construction phase plans that reflect the actual job
- RAMS review: checking risk assessments and method statements before work starts
- Site safety inspections with clear, prioritised reports
- Support for principal designers and principal contractors
- Health and Safety file guidance
- Accident investigation if something goes wrong. See accident investigation.
Who we work with
Commercial clients such as property managers, landlords, schools and care operators commissioning refurbishments; small and medium contractors and trades; and designers who want an experienced second pair of eyes. Contractors often pair CDM support with SSIP accreditation, so they can tender for more work.