The purpose of CDM is to ensure that health and safety is co-ordinated and managed throughout all stages of a project in order to help reduce accidents, ill health and cost. Where CDM applies we all have legal duties to discharge (which are enforceable by law). The impact of CDM will vary from project to project.

CDM applies in the following situations:

• Projects lasting longer than 30 days
• Projects longer than 500 man-days

Projects under CDM regulations require a CDM co-ordinator whose task is to develop a pre-tender health and safety plan prior to construction work. The CDM co-ordinator has responsibility for co-ordinating the health and safety aspects of design for the pre-tender health and safety plan.

A Principal contractor is also appointed whose responsibilities are to co-ordinate health and safety during the construction phase.

The health and safety plan is a collection of information highlighting the key health and safety risks that have to be managed during the construction phase. The information in the plan has to be updated regularly.

The health and safety file is a record of information compiled and issued to the client on completion of the project. The file will include all issues relating to future maintenance and upkeep of the works carried out.