It’s been almost 2 years since the new CDM Regulations (Construction Design and Management) came into effect and the fines are starting to rack up. For manufacturers, the most significant fine to date is the £50,000 fine for failing to appoint a principal contractor. Fines can even go up to £10 million or two years in custody for serious breaches.
As a manufacturer you are the client for works on your premises under the regulations and are accountable for the impact your decisions have on health, safety and welfare.
The scope of the regulations for manufacturers is often underestimated, as anything from moving machinery in the factory, to dismantling and decommissioning machinery to more obvious construction projects, like building an extension - all come within the CDM 2015 regulations and all need to be treated in the same way.
Since health and safety concerns, as well as large fines, are on the line, it is crucial to fully understand your responsibilities.
There are two key training courses that will enable you to understand your responsibilities fully and clearly:
1. Construction design and management (CDM) training
This one day course focuses solely on CDM and how it fits with other health and safety laws, as well as the roles and responsibilities covered by all those involved in the project.
2. NEBOSH national certificate in construction health and safety
This 10-day week course (if you already have a NEBOSH National General Certificate or have completed the NGC1 module) is focussed on the total scope of the risks and controls in a construction environment. It’s more relevant for those in a construction setting so it might be worth considering if you are responsible for a large construction project on your site.
Depending on your role and responsibilities, these courses cover all you need to know for compliance with the CDM regulations and avoiding those hefty fines.