Overview

This YouTube video from Rebranding Safety provides a guide to client duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM). It explains the critical role clients play in ensuring construction projects are planned, managed, and executed safely and efficiently.

Key highlights include:

• The responsibilities of clients, such as adequate time, resources, and competent professionals, are in place.
• The importance of providing pre-construction information, appointing principal designers and contractors, and maintaining a health and safety file.
• Differences in duties between domestic and commercial projects, with domestic clients able to transfer some responsibilities to contractors.
• Practical advice for managing CDM duties effectively, including stress-testing contractors and avoiding generic risk assessments.

Understanding CDM Client Duties: What Are You Responsible For in Construction Projects?

When it comes to Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), the roles and duties can get complex. This is especially true in construction projects that vary in scale and intricacy. This blog simplifies the duties of clients under CDM, highlighting key responsibilities in both commercial and domestic construction projects.

What Is the Role of a Client in CDM?

Under CDM, clients hold a pivotal role. They bear the overall responsibility for managing a project safely and effectively. This includes:

• Allocate suitable time and resources for the project.
• Ensure everyone involved, such as principal designers, designers, contractors, and principal contractors, is competent. They should also have the organisational capacity to fulfil their roles.

Key Client Duties in CDM

Here’s a breakdown of the primary responsibilities clients have during a project:

1. Pre-Construction Information

Clients must provide adequate pre-construction information to contractors and designers. This information should cover any site risks, such as:

• The asbestos register.
• Locations of utilities like gas, water, and electricity.
• Traffic management plans.
• Details of underground and overhead services.

The principal designer can assist in compiling this information. They should also ensure contractors have what they need to work safely.

2. Appoint Key Roles

For projects involving more than one contractor, the client must:

• Formally appoint a principal designer and a principal contractor in writing.
• Ensure these professionals are competent in managing their roles.

3. Report Notifiable Projects

For notifiable projects (those meeting certain thresholds of size and complexity):

• Clients must notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
• The notification must be displayed at a central location on-site.

4. Ensure Welfare and Safety

Work must not begin until:

• Welfare facilities are in place for workers.
• A construction phase plan has been developed.

5. Monitor its Progress

Clients are responsible for ensuring:

• All parties, including principal designers, contractors, and others, fulfil their duties.
• Project milestones set during the planning stage are met.

6. Maintain the Health and Safety File

For projects involving multiple contractors, clients must:

• Maintain an up-to-date health and safety file throughout the project.
• Transfer the file to the new owner of the building once the project concludes.

Domestic vs. Commercial Construction Projects

The scope of client duties varies between domestic and commercial projects.

Domestic Projects

For small-scale projects (e.g., a home extension), clients may transfer their CDM duties to the contractor or principal contractor. Nevertheless, the client still has some responsibilities, such as:

• Providing contractors with all the necessary information.
• Confirming that contractors are competent.

Key Takeaways for Managing CDM Client Duties

• Competence Is Key – Ensure all professionals hired are capable of fulfilling their roles.
• Avoid Generic Plans – Be wary of generic risk assessments or construction phase plans that don’t align with your project’s specifics.
• Stress-Test Contractors – Have conversations, ask probing questions, and look for red flags during the hiring process.
• Don’t Just Tick Boxes – Actively manage and monitor the project rather than treating compliance as a checklist.

Conclusion

As a client under CDM, your role is critical. While principal designers and contractors can assist, the ultimate responsibility for safety and compliance rests with you. Take an active role and provide clear information to ensure the success and safety of your construction project.

If you need support with CDM compliance, visit RiskFluentLimited.com or contact James directly at james@riskfluentlimited.com.