Consultation opens on changes to construction project safety

A consultation on changes to the way safety on building projects is managed has opened today. The ten week consultation is being carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on proposals to replace the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007). These currently apply to all construction work in the UK, and cover construction, alteration, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance, decommissioning, demolition or dismantling. Key changes being proposed include the replacement of the CDM co-ordinator role with a principal designer role within the project team; introducing a duty on information, instruction, training and supervision to replace the duty to assess competence; removal of the domestic client exemption and transfer of these limited duties to the contractor/designer; and the replacement of the ACoP with tailored guidance.

HSE’s Construction Chief Inspector Heather Bryant said: “Despite recent improvements, construction can still be a dangerous industry and the CDM Regulations are at the heart of how we are working to improve safety.

“The proposed changes are aimed at ensuring more people come home safe and well from their work and making the law simpler and clearer for employers to understand, particularly small businesses.

“The Regulations and supporting guidance need to help those working on building sites to get health and safety right. That’s why it is important that we get a good response to the consultation, helping us build on the great support we’ve had from the industry during the development of these proposals.”

The Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) has worked with HSE over the last two years to develop the proposals.

The consultation is open from 31 March until 6 June 2014. The full document can be found at https://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd261.htm