HSE confirms changes to CDM

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has released the outcome of its consultation on proposals to revise the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007.

The aim of the consultation was to reduce the bureaucracy under the CDM Regulations. The HSE received more than 1,400 responses to its consultation, which is among the highest number ever received by HSE in response to a consultation.

The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) submitted a response on behalf of its members, which highlighted the importance of communicating the revised Regulations and new associated guidance in order to deliver real change in the industry.

Overall, the outcome of the consultation reflects the NSCC response, including keeping an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for the new Regulations that HSE had originally proposed to replace with guidance.

The main changes to the CDM Regulations are:

  • The CDM co-ordinator role will be replaced by that of the principal designer
  • There will be a new, shorter ‘signposting’ ACOP, supported by HSE and industry guidance
  • The HSE notification threshold will only apply to projects lasting more than 30 working days and involving more than 20 workers simultaneously
  • All construction projects will require a written construction phase health & safety plan
  • Provisions relating to domestic clients with their duties being fulfilled by the principal contractor are clarified.

NSCC members can receive free advice on the CDM Regulations via the NSCC Health & Safety Helpline provided by Safety Services (UK) Ltd. The helpline can assist on the full range of health & safety matters, including working at height, asbestos, COSHH, risk assessments and PPQs. The helpline is available to NSCC members only.

To read the full outcome of the consultation, visit the HSE website.