Industry bodies have called on the government to use the CDM regulations to make CSCS membership compulsory in trades with high responsibility for site safety

The Construction Confederation and the Association for Project Safety have called for the measure in a joint response to the CDM consultation document. They claim the move would raise the standing of the card within industry, as well as improving individual competence.

The CC and APS submission could have a strong impact on the consultation, as the two organisations represent the majority of those who will carry out the co-ordination functions of the revised CDM regulations.

The consultation document proposes that CSCS is used as one method of establishing competence for workers. But the confederation and APS say CSCS should be the automatic benchmark for safety-critical trades, such as scaffolders and plant operatives.

A Construction Confederation spokesperson said: 鈥淕iven the considerable effort put into making CSCS a national scheme, and the strong government support it enjoys, we are calling for greater emphasis on CSCS for establishing competence for safety-critical trades.鈥�

Inclusion within CDM would help the CSCS card achieve critical mass

Construction Confederation spokesperson

The spokesperson added that the move would enhance the reputation of CSCS in the industry. He said: 鈥淚nclusion within CDM is one thing that would help boost the card. Alongside measures such as making the card compulsory on government contracts, this could help the scheme achieve critical mass in the industry.鈥�

The organisations have also called for an Approved Code of Practice to be issued alongside the regulations to tackle the uncertainty among smaller contractors and one-off clients over what is required of them. The consultation document proposes less stringent guidance.

The joint submission was prepared by the CC/APS CDM performance standards committee, which has a longer-term purpose to monitor health and safety on construction projects.