Wright Safety Solutionsestablished 2006
Wright Safety Solutionsestablished 2006
| CDM 2007 guidance | page 1 of 3 |
| Background to CDM 2007 Regulations
Construction remains a significantly dangerous industry where improvements in health and safety are urgently needed. Since the original CDM Regulations were introduced in 1994, concerns were raised that their complexity and the bureaucratic approach of many duty holders frustrated the Regulations’ underlying health and safety objectives. These views were supported by an industry-wide consultation in 2002 which resulted in the decision to revise the Regulations.
The new CDM 2007 Regulations revise and bring together the Construction Regulations of 1994 and the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations of 1996 into a single regulatory package.
The improvements in 2007 have meant significant and permanent changes in dutyholder attitudes and behaviour is expected.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) came into force in Great Britain on 6 April 2007.
The new CDM 2007 Regulations are divided into 5 parts:
Part 1 deals with the application of the Regulations and definitions.
All Clients, Designers and Contracors should refer to CDM (2007) and the Associated Approved Code of Practice.
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| Legal duties of the construction project team
The CDM 2007 update came into force in April 2007 placing legal duties on virtually everyone involved in construction work. Those with legal duties are commonly known as ‘dutyholders’. Dutyholders under CDM 2007 are: Clients - A 'client' is anyone having construction or building work carried out as part of their business. This could be an individual, partnership or company and includes property developers or management companies for domestic properties. CDM co-ordinators - A 'CDM co-ordinator' has to be appointed to advise the client on projects that last more than 30 days or involve 500 person days of construction work. The CDM co-ordinator's role is to advise the client on health and safety issues during the design and planning phases of construction work. Designers - The term 'designer' has a broad meaning and relates to the function performed, rather than the profession or job title. Designers are those who, as part of their work, prepare design drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and the specification of articles and substances. This could include architects, engineers and quantity surveyors. Principal contractors - A 'principal contractor' has to be appointed for projects which last more than 30 days or involve 500 person days of construction work. The principal contractor's role is to plan, manage and co-ordinate health and safety while construction work is being undertaken. The principal contractor is usually the main or managing contractor for the work. Contractors - A 'contractor' is a business who is involved in construction, alteration, maintenance or demolition work. This could involve building, civil engineering, mechanical, electrical, demolition and maintenance companies, partnerships and the self-employed. Workers - A ’worker’ is anyone who carries out work during the construction, alteration, maintenance or demoliton of a building or structure. A worker could be, for example, a plumber, electrician, scaffolder, painter, decorator, steel erector, as well as those supervising the work, such as foreman and chargehands. More information:
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this document is for guidance only. Please refer to CDM 2007 Approved Code of Practice
or contact Wright Safety Solutions to get you started on understanding CDM.
Health and Safety for Coventry and Warwickshire small/medium businesses
Visit http://www.wrightsafety.co.uk the Wright Safety Solutions home page
CDM guidance for clients and contractors, last revised 19 August 2010
