Client Duties Under CDM 2015

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) were established to improve health and safety in the construction industry. Clients, the individuals or organisations commissioning construction work, play a vital role in achieving this.

This blog provides a concise overview of the key duties clients must fulfil under CDM 2015.

Understanding Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for ensuring that health and safety are prioritised throughout the project lifecycle. This includes:

• Planning and Management: Clients must plan, manage, monitor, and coordinate health and safety in the construction phase. This involves:
• Liaising with the Principal Designer: Regular communication to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into the design.
• Setting Clear Objectives: Establishing clear health and safety objectives for the project.
• Appointing Key Personnel: Clients are responsible for appointing a principal designer (responsible for health and safety during the design phase) and a principal contractor (responsible for health and safety during the construction phase).
• Providing Information: Clients must provide all relevant information to the principal designer and principal contractor, including:
• Existing Site Conditions: Information about the site that may affect health and safety.
• Previous Health and Safety Records: Any relevant health and safety records from previous projects.

Financial and Cultural Responsibilities

Clients also have financial and cultural responsibilities:

• Financial: Clients are responsible for controlling payments to contractors and suppliers and for influencing the project’s scope, timeframes, and deadlines.
• Cultural: Clients play a crucial role in promoting a safety culture within the project team. This can be achieved by:
• Encouraging Open Communication: Fostering an environment where health and safety concerns can be raised without fear of repercussions.
• Providing Training: Ensuring that all team members receive appropriate health and safety training.

Compliance and Legal Obligations

Failure to comply with CDM 2015 can result in legal consequences for clients. It is essential for clients to:

• Understand Legal Obligations: Familiarise themselves with their legal responsibilities under CDM 2015.
• Maintain Documentation: Keep accurate records of all health and safety measures taken throughout the project.

Conclusion

By understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities under CDM 2015, clients contribute significantly to the successful management of health and safety in construction projects. This not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also fosters a safer working environment for everyone involved.

Find out more by chatting with one of our Engineers on 01625 548551 or email [email protected]