CDM Regulations were introduced in 1994 and placed new duties on Clients, Clients Agents, Designers and Contractors to rethink their approach to Health & Safety during construction and maintenance activities. The Regulations and Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) have changed and 'CDM2' became effective in April 2007; this time there were no transitional arrangements.  

Unwelcome headlines and statistics show that the industry still makes mistakes which may cause serious injury or even death:

• 18 Months Jail Sentence for Head of Building when worker dies following fall
• Company fined for Unsafe Scaffolding
• Leading House Builder fined for unsafe working practices
• 59 Construction related fatalities / 18 successful client prosecutions in 2005/06.

The new regulations aim to:

• Simplify the original regulations and improve clarity
• Focus on processes, planning and management
• Strengthen co-operation and co-ordination
• Simplify competence assessments

But what does this mean to you, 'the Client'? 

• The removal of Clients Agent role shifts liability back onto Clients
• You must ensure those you appoint are competent
• You must ensure co-operation and co-ordination
• You must ensure arrangements are made for safely managing the project
• You must provide information in a timely manner
• You must appoint a CDM Co-ordinator ("CDMC", previously Planning Supervisor) as soon as practicable; failure to appoint means the Client takes on the role by default
• You must ensure Construction Phase Health & Safety Plan is prepared and complied with
• You must ensure CDM Co-ordinator is provided with all Health & Safety information applicable to the project

The Association for Project Safety has been directly involved in the shape of the new regulations. Michael Dyson Associates Ltd are Corporate Members of the Association with all our Planning Supervisors having individual membership. All MDA Planning Supervisors have undertaken CPD Training for "CDM2 Co-ordinator" to ensure competence and a smooth transition for our Clients; our audited ISO9001 systems have been amended to maintain our accreditation and robust procedures for the benefit of our Clients.

Contact us now for an informal discussion to find out how you can benefit from our services and avoid hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Telephone Stephen Bamford (IOSH, MaPS), Associate on (01484) 666888 or email sbamford@mdyson.co.uk