You might not be aware but the HSE has a consultation document out that covers proposed changes to the CDM Regulations 2007. It’s likely you might be thinking so what I don’t work in construction so these changes won’t apply to me or my business. However you may well be wrong and we have outlined what is to change below:

• The main proposed changes are to: make the Regulations easier to understand;
• To replace the CDM Coordinator role with the principal designer;
• To replace the ACOP with targeted guidance;
• To replace the detailed and prescriptive requirements for individual and corporate competence with a more generic requirement;
• To align notification requirements with the Directive ;
• To apply the Regulations to domestic clients but in a proportionate way.

The proposals will be of interest to clients of construction work (including householders as clients), designers, principal contractors, contractors, sub-contractors including the self-employed, CDM Co-ordinators, safety representatives and anyone else with an interest in construction projects.

The HSE has said that the proposed changes are aimed at ensuring more people come home safe and well from their work and making the law simpler and clearer for employers to understand, particularly small businesses.

The consultation document available of the HSE web site is available for comments which must be received before 6th June 2014.

Clearly those it affects will need to update their knowledge of the new regulations to ensure they are aware of how these will affect them. This is probably going to be especially important to small contractors but also to whoever is likely to be the client.

For further details see the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd261.htm