What are my duties under CDM regulations?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 — known as CDM — apply to most construction projects in the UK. As a dutyholder (client, principal contractor, designer or worker), your responsibilities include managing risks, planning work safely, and ensuring everyone has the right training and equipment. If you’re the principal contractor, you must prepare a construction phase plan and coordinate health and safety across the site. Clients must ensure competent contractors are appointed and sufficient time and resources are provided. In Birmingham, CDM compliance is actively enforced by the HSE, especially on larger developments. Following CDM protects lives, avoids delays and keeps your business legally compliant on site.
Who is the principal contractor under CDM?
The principal contractor is the main party in charge of health and safety on site for projects involving more than one contractor. They must plan, manage and coordinate construction work to ensure everyone works safely. This includes preparing the construction phase plan, managing site inductions, ensuring risk assessments are in place, and liaising with the client and principal designer. In Birmingham, principal contractors are responsible for setting the tone for safety across building sites — from small refurbishments to large-scale developments. They must also ensure workers are properly trained and that site rules are followed. The role is a legal duty, not just a title.
What is a construction phase plan?
A construction phase plan is a document required under CDM regulations for any construction project with more than one contractor. It outlines health and safety arrangements, site rules, emergency procedures, risk control measures and who’s responsible for what. It must be in place before work begins and kept updated throughout the project. Even for smaller domestic jobs, the plan must be proportionate to the size and risks involved. In Birmingham, HSE inspections often check whether a valid construction phase plan exists. Failing to prepare one is a breach of the law. A good plan keeps your team safe and helps demonstrate your competence as a contractor.
What PPE is required on a building site?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must match the risks present on your site. Common PPE includes hard hats, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection. For specific tasks, you may also need respiratory protection, fall arrest harnesses or chemical-resistant gear. Employers must provide suitable PPE free of charge and ensure it’s maintained and used properly. In Birmingham, building sites are regularly inspected for PPE compliance, particularly where there are known risks. Workers should be trained on correct use and know how to report damaged or missing items. PPE is a last line of defence — it doesn’t replace risk controls, but it can save lives.
How do I carry out site-specific risk assessments?
A site-specific risk assessment considers the unique hazards and conditions of each individual construction site. Start by visiting the site and identifying activities that could cause harm — such as excavations, scaffolding, deliveries or public access. Assess who might be affected, including workers, visitors or nearby residents. Evaluate risks and decide on suitable control measures. Document your findings and communicate them to your team. In Birmingham, where sites often operate near roads or public areas, special care must be taken with traffic management and public safety. Review assessments regularly or when conditions change, and involve workers in identifying new risks or concerns.
Do subcontractors need their own safety policies?
Yes, subcontractors must have their own health and safety policies, risk assessments, and method statements relevant to the work they’re doing. While the principal contractor oversees site safety overall, each subcontractor is responsible for ensuring their team works safely and in compliance with site rules. They should also take part in site inductions, toolbox talks and regular reviews. In Birmingham’s construction sector, clients and contractors often require subcontractors to show their safety documentation before being allowed on site. Good safety practice from all contractors protects everyone involved and reduces the risk of delays, fines or serious incidents during the build.
What inspections should take place on a construction site?
Regular site inspections are vital for maintaining safety and compliance. These should include daily checks by supervisors, weekly formal inspections, and more detailed audits at key project stages. Inspections should cover scaffolding, access routes, PPE usage, machinery, signage, welfare facilities and environmental hazards. In Birmingham, the HSE carries out surprise inspections, especially on busy or high-risk sites. Keeping inspection checklists and logs helps prove your due diligence. Any issues found should be corrected immediately and followed up. Routine inspections prevent accidents, identify problems early and show that safety is being actively managed — not just written down in a policy.
How do I control access to building sites?
Controlling access to your site helps keep workers safe and prevents unauthorised entry by the public. Use perimeter fencing, security gates, warning signs and monitored entry points. Visitors should report to a site office and receive a short safety briefing. Contractors must sign in and wear visible ID or branded PPE. In Birmingham, construction sites near busy areas must pay particular attention to pedestrian safety and signage. Surveillance cameras, key card systems or guard services may be required for high-value or high-risk projects. Keeping your site secure reduces theft, accidents and legal liabilities — and shows you’re taking site safety seriously.
How can I reduce manual handling injuries on site?
Manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury in construction. To reduce the risk, assess the tasks in advance and use mechanical aids like trolleys, hoists or forklifts whenever possible. Train workers in proper lifting techniques and encourage team lifting for heavier loads. Store materials close to where they’ll be used to minimise movement. Provide PPE such as gloves or back supports where appropriate. In Birmingham, construction sites are expected to follow HSE guidance and reduce manual handling through planning, supervision and training. Addressing this risk improves safety and reduces downtime caused by injuries — helping keep your project on track.
