CLIENT GUIDE TO THE CDM REGULATIONS

Clients have a primary role in impliementing Health and Safety procedures on construction projects. They have influence on appointments, time frames and budgets all of which can impact the success of a projects Health and Safety and compliance with the CDM Regulations 2015.

Summary of Client Duties

 Make suitable arrangements for managing a project.
This includes making sure that:

  • other duty holders are appointed

  • sufficient time and resources are allocated.

    Clients must also make sure that:

  • relevant information is prepared and provided to other duty holders

  • the principal designer and principal contractor carry out their duties

  • welfare facilities are provided.

WHY IT MATTERS

  • Legal compliance: CDM is a legal requirement — failure can lead to enforcement action.

  • Risk reduction: Early planning reduces accidents and costly delays.

  • Better outcomes: Projects run smoother when responsibilities are clear and risks are managed.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

You’re a business commissioning a new office extension:

  • You appoint designer(s) to draw up the proposals. When there is likely to be more than one contractor involved in a project (majority of projects) you must also appoint a Principal Designer.

  • You must check those appointed by you have suitable skills, knowledge and experience for the work

The appointments of a Principal Designer / Principal Contractor must be made as soon as is practicable, and in any event, before the construction phase begins.

  •  You develop a client brief for the project and inform the project team of this

  •  You share information on your existing site (Pre Construction Information) to the project team – such as the asbestos survey, utilities locations, existing building plans , existing Health & Safety File.

  • You appoint a contractor to undertake the project

  • You make sure the contractor has time to plan the works

  • You ensure the Contractor prepares a Construction Phase Plan

  • You implement arrangements are in place on the project to ensure health and safety risks are being managed throughout the project. ( this could be via regular progress meetings)

  • At the end, you receive a health and safety file and use this for future reference.

📞 Need Help?

If you’re unsure about your duties or need assistance with a project give us a call.