Construction Design and Management

The aim of the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations 2007 is to integrate health and safety into the design and management of all construction projects and to ensure that all contributing parties cooperate together to achieve this aim. Specific responsibilities are allocated to all parties (client, designer, principal and other contractors) and the appointment of a CDM Coordinator is a requirement for projects with a duration of more than 30 days or which require more than 500 person days of construction work. In addition, the HSE requires prior notification of the projects for which a CDM coordinator must be appointed.

The main function of the CDM Coordinator is to identify and communicate relevant pre-construction health and safety information, to ensure competent designers and contractors are appointed, to coordinate health and safety aspects of the design work and to facilitate good communication between the key players involved with the realisation of the construction project. He/she is also responsible for the production of the Health and Safety File that contains information to reduce the risks and costs involved with future maintenance, cleaning, alteration, refurbishment and demolition works.

 What are the benefits?

Ensuring health and safety considerations are an integral part of the project from its inception reduces the risks to workers during the construction (or demolition) phase and those associated with ongoing maintenance and other works undertaken during the operational phase of the structure. The overall cost of ownership will also be reduced as the requirement for safe and easy maintenance will be an integral part of the design of the structure, not a bolt-on extra.

Why CRA?

CRA have knowledgeable and experienced consultants available to perform the role of CDM Coordinator for construction and demolition projects. We foster a one team approach to compliance with CDM Regulations whereby the client, designer, principal contractor, site owner/operator, and the CRA consultant work together with common aims and objectives for safe and cost effective project completion.

For additional information on how CRA could help you, please contact Frank Dennis on fdennis@cra.co.uk or 0115 965 6700.