Construction Sector

Dutyholder Responsibilities

Clients

Clients are responsible for ensuring suitable arrangements are in place to manage projects safely and effectively. This includes appointing competent dutyholders, allocating sufficient time and resources, providing relevant project information and ensuring that welfare facilities are available throughout the project.

Domestic Clients

Domestic clients also have duties under CDM 2015. In most cases, these responsibilities automatically transfer to the contractor on single-contractor projects or to the Principal Contractor where multiple contractors are involved.

Designers

Designers play a critical role in eliminating, reducing and controlling foreseeable risks during construction, maintenance and future use of a structure. They must consider Health & Safety throughout the design process and provide relevant information to other dutyholders.

Principal Designers (PD)

The Principal Designer is responsible for planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating Health & Safety during the pre-construction phase.

Their duties include:

• Identifying and controlling foreseeable risks
• Coordinating design activities
• Ensuring designers fulfil their obligations
• Sharing relevant information with project dutyholders
• Supporting collaboration throughout the project

Contractors

Contractors must plan, manage and monitor work under their control to ensure activities are carried out safely and without unnecessary risk.

For projects involving multiple contractors, effective coordination and cooperation with other dutyholders is essential. Single-contractor projects also require the preparation of a Construction Phase Plan.

Principal Contractors (PC)

Principal Contractors have overall responsibility for managing Health & Safety during the construction phase of projects involving multiple contractors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and coordinating site activities
• Managing contractor cooperation
• Preparing and maintaining the Construction Phase Plan
• Providing site inductions
• Securing the site against unauthorised access
• Consulting with workers
• Ensuring adequate welfare facilities are available

Workers

Workers also have legal responsibilities and must:

• Take reasonable care of their own Health & Safety and that of others
• Follow site rules and safe systems of work
• Report hazards, unsafe conditions and incidents
• Cooperate with employers and dutyholders
• Participate in Health & Safety consultations

Construction Phase Plans

A Construction Phase Plan is a legal requirement for all construction projects.

Whether you are the sole contractor or acting as Principal Contractor, a suitable Construction Phase Plan must be prepared before work starts. The plan should identify project risks, control measures, site arrangements and emergency procedures.

We can prepare compliant Construction Phase Plans tailored to your project and business requirements.

Notifiable Projects

Certain projects must be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

A project is generally notifiable where it is expected to:

• Last longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers on site simultaneously at any point; or
• Exceed 500 person-days of construction work.

Understanding notification requirements and dutyholder responsibilities can be complex. Our consultants can provide guidance to ensure compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Health & Safety Files

Projects involving more than one contractor require a Health & Safety File.

The Health & Safety File provides essential information that may be required for future maintenance, repair, refurbishment, alteration or demolition works. It serves as an important record for managing risks associated with the completed structure and should be maintained throughout the building’s life.

We can assist Principal Designers, Principal Contractors and Clients with the preparation, review and management of Health & Safety Files.

Supporting Construction Businesses Across Every Stage

Whether you are planning a small domestic project, managing commercial developments or delivering large-scale construction works, our experienced consultants can provide practical, professional support tailored to your business.

From CDM compliance and site safety management to training, audits and ongoing competent person services, we help construction businesses meet their legal obligations while creating safer, more efficient workplaces.

Speak to Our Construction Health & Safety Consultants

If your organisation requires competent construction Health & Safety advice, CDM 2015 support, Principal Designer services, site safety assistance or workforce training, contact Thomas Safety Services Ltd today to discuss how we can support your business.