CDM (Construction, Design & Management)

If you have referred to this page, the chances are that you are a ‘Client’ investigating the working of the CDM Regulations and, in particular, the role of the Client within a construction project.

When the 2007 version of the Regulations came into force, the emphasis on overall responsibility for managing health and safety on a construction project shifted from the contractor to the Client. The Client initiates the project, finances it and, to a degree, specifies what is to be built, where and when. The CDM Regulations 2007 therefore places upon the Client the duty to ensure competent management of every area of a project from the initial design to handover in order that the work may be carried out safely and without risk to health.

Whilst all construction work is subject to the CDM Regulations, here we are talking here about those projects large enough to require notification to the Health and Safety Executive – those extending beyond 30 site working days or beyond 500 site person days.

The CDM Regulations assign legal duties to each of the principal members of the design and construction teams. These duties are laid down in the Approved Code of Practice (the ‘ACOP’) to the Regulations. We advise that you do not initiate a construction project until you fully appreciate your duties – reading the ACOP would be a good way of achieving this.

Long experience in most aspects of construction activity, combined with training in, and a commitment to, health and safety, methodical in approach, and an ability to hold his/her ground defines a good CDMC. Come and meet some of ours

If you are considering a construction project and need advice on legal compliance, Fox~Robinson have qualified, experienced professionals on hand to advise and assist you.