The revised CDM regulations were laid before parliament this week, in the final legislative step before they come into force in April.

The regulations will place greater emphasis on the responsibility of clients for health and safety, requiring them to ensure safety arrangements are maintained and reviewed throughout the project.

Other changes include:

  • CDM co-ordinators, the safety advisers to the client, will replace planning supervisors
  • CDM co-ordinators will be appointed before contractors and designers (not counting preliminary designers)
  • Detailed guidance will be introduced to assess the competency of designers, CDM co-ordinators, contractors and workers
  • The client will have to ensure that the principal contractor has adequate welfare facilities in place prior to the start of the project on site.
The regulations will be accompanied by a code of practice, compiled by the Health and Safety Executive, and industry-produced guidance.

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