Principal Contractor & Contractor

The term Principal Contractor [PC] originated with the CDM Regulations – this will usually be the managing contractor for a project. The PC must, first and foremost, be competent in carrying out this managing function because they carry the responsibility for site health and safety throughout the construction phase for everyone, be it directly-employed persons, subcontractors or the general public. The PC does this through a plan – the Construction-Phase Health and Safety Plan.The Principal Contractor has a legal duty to prepare such a plan before the project commences and then to continually revise and update it as the project progresses.

Planning and preparation, the circulation of health and safety information, ensuring safe working, site welfare provision, site security, enforcement of site rules – all these facets of management come within the remit of the Principal Contractor.

The Principal Contactor must liaise with the CDM Co-ordinator about any design changes made during the construction phase, particularly those which may affect health and safety. He must also provide the CDMC with information required for the health and safety file.

Fox~Robinson act in support of many Principal Contractors, either on a retained basis, or rendering assistance with problems on particular projects. Our experienced, trained staff will be pleased to advise you.