CDM compliance for landscape professionals

Questions regarding interpretation of The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 are frequently raised by members.

Whilst the ambition of CDM – to manage health, safety and welfare on construction projects – is worthy, correctly interpreting the Regulations and the role of each ‘duty holder’ can be confusing for the various parties involved in a project.  Not least for a landscape designer or contractor who may often find themselves at two extremes: from being amongst a long list of duty holders on large commercial projects to being the only duty holder on a small domestic project.

Regardless of the size of the project or your CDM role, adherence is not an option. CDM duty holders who ignore their duties place stakeholders at risk from injury, as well as themselves from legal action. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website regularly publishes cases which highlight the potential for injury or fines from ignoring responsibilities.

Remember:

• CDM applies to every construction project regardless of duration or size.  If your business is involved in a construction project, you will have duties under CDM.
• CDM regulations apply to every commercial and domestic landscape construction project
• CDM applies to projects where there is no obligation to notify the HSE
• CDM does not apply to maintenance works, but visitors to a live construction site may still have responsibilities under CDM

‘Don’t let perfect get in the way of good’

This phrase is an excellent way of encouraging Association members to learn the basic principles of CDM. Whilst CDM can seem complex, the fundamental principles are easily understood.    

In response to questions raised by Association members in relation to CDM, BALI has developed a range of learning options:

Written guidance available from Association website

A guidance section on the Association’s website outlines the steps landscape professionals should take to comply with the regulations.  In addition to definitions for CDM terms and explanations for each duty holder role and various template documents, BALI has developed a comprehensive ‘common scenarios’ page, which aims to answer frequently asked questions associated with projects, as well as scenarios such as the role of sub-contractors and how to manage non-compliance of CDM.

Link to guidance: Please click here

Recorded webinar available from Association website 

Earlier this week the Association hosted a webinar which outlined the mechanics of CDM, and what roles landscape designers and contractors are likely to play in a range of scenarios, ranging from small domestic projects involving only one contractor, up to large commercial projects involving many designers and contractors.  Members have access to a recording of this webinar, as well as the slides and all template documents referred to during the presentation.

Link to guidance: Please click here