The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 place specific legal duties on every contractor working on a UK construction project. These duties apply regardless of project size and cannot be delegated to subcontractors. Understanding your responsibilities under CDM 2015 is essential to avoid enforcement action and, more importantly, to keep your workforce safe on site. This talk explains the key duties every contractor must fulfil.
Key Hazards
Enforcement action from HSE for non-compliance with CDM duties
Workers exposed to uncontrolled risks from inadequate planning
Prosecution and fines for failure to cooperate with the principal contractor
Incomplete safety documentation leading to gaps in risk control
Control Measures
Plan, manage, and monitor all construction work under your control to ensure safety.
Ensure all workers under your control have the skills, knowledge, and training for their tasks.
Provide adequate supervision appropriate to the risk level of each activity.
Cooperate with the principal contractor and follow their site rules and procedures.
Ensure a construction phase plan is in place before work begins on any project you manage.
Report any hazards, near misses, or incidents to the principal contractor promptly.
Do not begin work until you have received an adequate site induction.
Provide information for the health and safety file when requested.
Consult with your workers and their representatives on health and safety matters.
Remember
CDM duties apply to every contractor on every UK construction project regardless of size
You must plan, manage, and monitor all work under your control for safety
All workers must be competent and have adequate training for the tasks they carry out
Cooperation with the principal contractor is a legal requirement not optional
Never start work without a site induction and an adequate construction phase plan
Applicable Legislation: CDM 2015 (Regulation 15) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · MHSWR 1999