Draft regulations for construction safety published

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new draft guidelines controlling health and safety in the construction workplace.

From 6th April, it is intended that the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) will manage worker welfare on all UK construction projects.

The CDM will need parliamentary approval before coming into effect. If approved, the regulations will supersede those introduced in 2007.

The latest update is the result of a wide scale consultation by the HSE.

There were more than 1,400 responses to the public consultation, including one from the Institution of Occupation Safety and Health (IOSH).

With the CDM available for viewing for duty holders and the public ahead of coming into effect, the head of policy at the IOSH, Richard Jones, explained:

“We urge IOSH members and duty holders to familiarise themselves with these, so that they are prepared.”

Comprising six draft documents for the construction industry, controlling procedures, processes and workwear, the HSE has said there are significant changes from the 2007 edition.

The changes introduced include the creation of a Principal Designer (PD) role, which will see a member of the design team taking responsibility for the coordinated pre-construction phase.

Another change sees the client on the project now recognised as the standard setter. The way competence on site is assessed will also change.

Projects already underway ahead of the 6th April introduction date will have until 6th October to comply with the new regulations.