Designers working on construction projects must consider how contractors will be kept out of harm’s way from the outset of their planning, a meeting of safety and health professionals heard.
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), which came into force last April, designers “must take all reasonable steps” to assist all those working on the project comply with the regulations.
Where possible, principal designers should get input from contractors during the design phase so they can anticipate possible health and safety problems early on.
If a contractor hasn’t been appointed, designers can consult any contractor with relevant knowledge.
While the CDM regulations apply only to the construction industry, they are relevant to other sectors. The 2015 regulations, which replaced CDM 2007, created the need for a principal designer on projects to co-ordinate the pre-construction phase.