Health and Safety for Architects
Health and safety for architects is no longer just about ticking regulatory boxes. It’s about designing spaces that actively protect people, promote well-being, and remain safe to use and maintain for decades. Every choice, from materials to layouts, can prevent hazards before they arise.
At Risk Fluent, we help architects turn safety requirements into design strengths. With our expertise in compliance, risk management, and best practices, we ensure your projects meet every legal obligation while creating spaces that are safe, accessible, and built to last.
Health and Safety Responsibilities of Architects
Architects, particularly those acting as principal designers, have legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities for health and safety throughout a project’s entire lifecycle. This responsibility extends from the early concept design to the final build, and even into the building’s long-term maintenance.
By law, architects must consider the safety of everyone who will interact with the building, including:
- End users – ensuring safe everyday use.
- Maintenance teams – providing safe access for repairs and upkeep.
- Contractors and visitors – protecting those on-site during and after construction.
This includes designing so that buildings are constructed as intended and that future maintenance can be carried out without undue risk. For example, specifying self-cleaning windows or designing with safe access points with the help of a health and safety consultant for architects reduces the need for hazardous work at height.
Relevant Legislation
Architects and principal designers must comply with key legislation governing health and safety in building design.
Building Safety Act 2022
This act introduced new requirements for building designers, particularly in higher-risk residential projects. This act states:
- Designers and principal designers now have a legal duty to incorporate safety considerations into both the design and construction phases.
- There’s a stronger focus on accountability, ensuring that safety risks are addressed early in the process.
CDM Regulations 2015
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations form the core health and safety framework for construction projects in the UK. These regulations:
- They set out the roles and duties of designers and principal designers.
- Architects must eliminate foreseeable risks during design and provide adequate information to those constructing or maintaining the building.
Both of these legislations are legal requirements for principal designers. Compliance is not optional.
Designing for Safety and Accessibility
Building Codes and Regulations
Architects must ensure all designs meet UK building codes and the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and CDM Regulations 2015. Compliance is the foundation for safety.
Universal Design
Spaces should be inclusive and accessible for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mobility. This includes step-free access, clear wayfinding, and suitable lighting.
Safety in Design
Many hazards can be removed entirely at the design stage. This can include avoiding sharp edges, unstable structures, or unsafe glass installations.
Fire Safety
Incorporating fire prevention and evacuation strategies is essential. This includes fire-resistant materials, clearly marked exits, and well-planned escape routes.
Healthy Buildings
Maintenance Safety
Ensuring a Safe Construction Site
Even though contractors manage on-site safety, architects play a role in setting the conditions for safe construction and protecting the client. Working with us at Risk Fluent, an experienced health and safety company for architects, enables them to implement:
1. Design Risk Assessment
Identify hazards in the design and share strategies for mitigating them.
2. Guide the client on suitable and sufficient Safety Protocols
Ensure clear, enforceable procedures are in place for construction activities.
3. Ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Verify that PPE requirements are practical and sufficient for site risks.
4. Training and Education
Encourage contractors to brief workers on safety requirements related to your design.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Work with site teams to plan for fires, structural issues, or other emergencies.
6. Monitoring and Auditing
Conduct site visits to ensure the build aligns with your safety design intent.
7. Pre-Construction Information
Ensure the correct pre-construction information is collated and communicated to the contractors.
Role of Technology in Health and Safety
Modern technology provides architects with powerful tools for safety-led design and project management.
1. BIM (Building Information Modelling) – identifies design clashes and hazards before construction begins.
2. Digital twin technology – simulates building performance for long-term safety planning.
3. Drone Inspections – provides safe access to hard-to-reach areas for surveys and monitoring.
Risk Fluent stands out in safety because of our health and safety app and software Risk Assessor Pro. Working with us and Risk Assessor Pro ensures effective and fast safety compliance and risk management without compromising quality
Risk Fluent’s Services for Architects
As specialist health & safety consultants for architects, we understand that you face complex responsibilities, especially when acting as a principal designer under the Building Safety Act 2022 and CDM Regulations 2015. That’s why we offer tailored services to help you integrate safety seamlessly into every stage of your project.
- Pre-Construction Information Support – we gather, organise, and present vital safety information so you can design with all risks in mind.
- Design Risk Assessment – we assess your designs for foreseeable hazards, providing practical recommendations to remove or reduce them before they reach the site.
- CDM Compliance – we guide you in meeting your CDM Designer Duties, ensuring you fulfil all legal obligations without slowing down your design process.
- Legislation Support – we offer clear, actionable advice on meeting the requirements of both the Building Safety Act and CDM Regulations, translating complex laws into practical steps.
- Health and Safety File – Working with the designer and the principal contractor, we will collate the required information and develop the health and safety file
With Risk Fluent as your partner, you gain more than just compliance. You also gain confidence. We help you deliver designs that are not only compliant and functional but also safer for builders, users, and future maintenance teams.
Whether you need a one-off consultation or ongoing health and safety services for architects across multiple projects, we’re here to make health and safety work for your designs, not against them.
THE PROOF IS IN OUR PEOPLE…
RISK FLUENT’S ABILITY TO ENGAGE WITH A RANGE OF STAKEHOLDERS AND BRING COMPLEX CONCEPTS TO LIFE THROUGH PRACTICAL TOOLS, AND JAMES’ ENGAGING AND PRACTICAL APPROACH TO RISK MANAGEMENT GAVE US THE RANGE OF THE TOOLS AND APPROACHES TO USE, NOT ONLY WITHIN OUR ORGANISATION BUT ALSO EXTERNALLY TO SUPPORT OUR CLIENTS.
Contact Us
Health and safety is not just a box to tick. It’s a fundamental part of creating designs that stand the test of time. At Risk Fluent, we help architects navigate complex regulations, integrate safety into every design, and protect everyone who interacts with their buildings.
Complete the form below or get in touch with us today for tailored advice, compliance support, and expert risk management that keeps your projects safe from concept to completion.
Let’s talk
For a quote, complete the form below and arrange a discovery call where we can chat though your requirements.