The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, commonly known as CDM, set out how to manage health and safety on construction projects. They apply to all construction work, regardless of project size or duration.
For project managers, compliance means building CDM requirements into how a project is planned and delivered, rather than treating them as a separate exercise. That includes checking the right appointments are made, information reaches the right people and that responsibilities remain clear as work progresses.
Who has responsibilities under CDM 2015?
CDM places legal duties on the people and organisations involved in a project. Each has a different role. These include:
- Clients: Put suitable management arrangements in place, provide relevant information and allow enough time and resources for the work.
- Designers: Eliminate, reduce or control foreseeable risks through their designs.
- Principal designers: Plan, manage and coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase.
- Principal contractors: Plan, manage and coordinate health and safety during the construction phase.
- Contractors: Manage the work under their control and provide appropriate supervision, information and instruction.
- Workers: Take reasonable care, follow instructions and cooperate with others on site.
Where more than one contractor is involved, the client must appoint a principal designer and principal contractor in writing. Those appointed to CDM roles must have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience, and organisations must also have the appropriate organisational capability.
What documentation is required?
Good CDM management depends on relevant information being available when it’s needed. Some of the key documents and supporting information include:
- Pre-construction information: Details about the project, existing site conditions and known risks that can help designers and contractors carry out their duties.
- Construction phase plan: Prepared before construction starts, this sets out the arrangements for managing health and safety while the work is carried out.
- Health and safety file: Information that may be needed to manage risks during future use, maintenance, alteration or demolition of the structure.
- Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS): These identify the risks involved in specific activities and explain how contractors will carry out the work safely.
These aren’t documents to prepare simply to tick a box. The information should be relevant to the project and reviewed or updated when necessary.
What are the requirements for site inductions and training?
Everyone working on a construction site must receive a suitable site-specific induction before starting work. This should cover relevant hazards, site rules, emergency procedures and the safety arrangements they need to follow.
Contractors must also make sure workers have the right skills, knowledge, training and supervision for their roles. What’s required will depend on the work involved and the risks they may face.
When does a project need to be notified?
CDM 2015 applies whether a project is notifiable or not. However, the client must notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) if construction work is scheduled to last longer than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers working simultaneously at any point or if the project exceeds 500 person-days.
Keeping CDM compliance on track
CDM compliance doesn’t stop once work begins. Regular communication between all parties involved in the project helps keep health and safety a priority and helps you monitor work. When plans change or new risks arise, CDM must be considered to ensure you remain compliant.
Site meetings and inspections give project teams the chance to raise concerns, review progress and deal with issues as they come up. Regular audits can also help check that contractors are following agreed safety procedures and identify anything that needs attention.
Project managers play an important supporting role by keeping communication flowing, monitoring works and helping the relevant dutyholders address any issues.
Failing to meet CDM duties can result in HSE enforcement action and may also bring legal, financial and programme consequences.
Need Support Managing CDM Requirements?
Managing CDM requirements alongside the wider demands of a construction project can be complex. From coordinating contractors and reviewing documentation to supporting ongoing communication and monitoring, there’s plenty to keep on top of.
SW Project Management can provide practical, experienced support to help you manage your CDM obligations and keep your project moving forward. Whether you need help at the outset or throughout construction, our team can work with you to deliver a clear, proportionate approach.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your project and how we can support you.