Current CDM regulations

Construction, Design & Management Regulations 2015

The most important items to note are that:

1. All projects must have:

  • Workers with the right skills, knowledge, training and experience.
  • Contractors providing appropriate supervision, instruction and information.
  • A written construction phase plan.

2. For both domestic or non-domestic projects where more than one contractor is involved, the client must:

  • Appoint a Principal Designer.
  • Appoint a Principal Contractor.
  • Ensure a health and safety file is created for the project.

3 The HSE must be notified if the project:

  • Lasts longer than 30 days and has more than 20 workers simultaneously at any point or exceeds 500 person days.

Construction Design Management 2015 Regulations – FAQ

1. The change to the regulations means ‘Domestic’ works are now included. What if you are doing DIY in your own house? Do the regulations apply to this?
If the home owner is carrying out the DIY themselves then the CDM regulations do not apply. However, if they employ another person to carry the work out in their home then they will become the client under the new regulations.

2. How do you notify the HSE about a project?
There is a form you can complete and submit via the HSE website. Although, C2 Safety will be able to carry out this duty on your behalf if your project is notifiable.

3. What happens if you fail to comply with the new CDM 2015 Regulations?
The HSE are operating a Fee for Intervention Cost Recovery Scheme. They investigate the incident and complaints of breach in health and safety. If a breach of health and safety law is discovered then a fine will be issued. The amount payable by the duty holder found to be in breach of the law is £124 per hour. The total will be based on the time taken to identify and conclude its regulatory actions.

4. Who is responsible for producing the Health and Safety File? When do you need to produce a Health and Safety File?
The Principal Designer now has primary responsibility for preparing the file, and reviewing, updating and revising it as the project progresses. They must pass the completed file to the client to keep at the end of the project. A health and safety file is only required for projects involving more than one contractor.

5. What is the health and safety file?
A health and safety file is a file appropriate to the characteristics of the project. This contains the relevant health and safety information which needs to be taken into account during any subsequent project. It should include information on maintenance, cleaning, refurbishment or demolition.

6. Do the CDM 2015 Regulations now apply to temporary works/structures?
Under the new regulations all temporary structures need to comply with the CDM 2015 Regulations, which require the Construction Site Directive to be applied to any project which includes construction.

7. What happens if a client fails to appoint either the Principal Designer or Principal Contractor?
If no appointments are made by a client then they will be required to fulfil all the duties of the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, unless the client is domestic.

8. How can C2 help?
C2 Safety are a professional, experienced company who are able to ensure compliance with the CDM 2015 Regulations.

To ensure compliance we will:

  • Write a pre-construction phase plan.
  • Produce site specific induction documents.
  • Perform written site inspections.
  • Create the health and safety file.