If you work on any type of construction project, you need to work in accordance with CDM. But what is CDM, and who needs to complete CDM training? Our blog goes over the basics of CDM and looks at how our courses can help you gain the knowledge you need to comply with the regulations.

What does CDM stand for?

CDM stands for The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. You may also see them referred to as CDM 2015 or simply the CDM Regulations.

What are CDM regulations?

CDM are the main set of regulations for the management of health and safety on construction sites in the UK. Every construction worker and organisation must meet their requirements under these regulations in order to protect the health of everyone on their site.

These regulations came into law in April 2015 as a means of improving practice on construction sites in order to protect workers and members of the public from the risks presented from construction work. Failure to comply with CDM can result in criminal proceedings for the individuals and companies involved.

What is CDM in health and safety?

Construction is a high-risk industry, with unique risks related to the nature of the work involved. HSE stats show that in 2019/20, 40 workers suffered fatal injuries due to construction work, with 4 members of the public also dying following construction-related accidents. This is why CDM is so important.

CDM regulations need to form an integral part of any construction or building organisation’s health and safety practice. Implementing the personnel, policies and practice to meet CDM requirements is essential for to ensure the health and safety of workers, clients and members of the public.

When do CDM regulations apply?

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations apply to all construction projects no matter the size, scope or nature of the task at hand. This includes any short projects or maintenance work. CDM defines ‘construction work’ as any type of “building, civil engineering or engineering construction work” including:

“the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration or other maintenance (including cleaning which involves the use of water or an abrasive at high pressure, or the use of corrosive or toxic substances), de-commissioning, demolition or dismantling of a structure.”

If you are undertaking any projects that could be defined as construction work, it is your legal duty to work in accordance to CDM.

What are the 5 main parts of CDM?

CDM regulations are divided into five different parts:

• The application of CDM 2015 and definitions
• The duties of construction project clients
• The duties of other duty holders including designers, principal designers, contractors and principal contractors
• General requirements for all construction sites
• Transitional arrangements and revocations

These different sections break down in specific detail the responsibilities of every individual on a construction site and how organisations need to apply CDM in their daily practice.

When is a project notifiable under CDM 2015?

Under CDM 2015, organisations are required to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) when construction projects of a certain size are taking place. HSE must be notified if the project will last longer than 30 working days* and have more than 20 workers working at the same time at any point on the project. They also must be notified if the project exceeds 500 person days.

Notification is essential for HSE to be aware of any major projects which have a large number of workers on site. Failure to notify them would break your obligations under CDM and may result in legal and financial consequences.  

*working days are defined as any days where working takes place. This includes weekends, bank holidays and partial working days.

CDM Training with ESS

At ESS, we provide a couple of courses to help you learn more about CDM and how it applies to you and your workplace. Our CDM 2015 Awareness half-day course is perfect for anyone who is new to CDM regulations and needs to understand their legal responsibilities in regard to them.

This training is specifically targeted at those who have principal designer or principal contractor positions within their organisations.  After completing the course, learners should be able to:

• Demonstrate a high level of controlling, coordination and cooperation between everyone involved in the process
• Show an appropriate appreciation of the importance of managing safety on a construction site
• Follow safe operating procedures to a high level of competence
• Understand regulations relating to planning, controlling and monitoring the risk
• Understand the scope of works and what requires notification

Upon completion learners will be issued with CDM certification which is valid for 3 years.

Online CDM courses

If you are looking for CDM courses online, look no further than our CDM Awareness e-learning course. This provides much of the essential knowledge required for those who have responsibilities under CDM, but can be completed entirely at home, at a time and pace which is convenient for the learner. This is ideal for those who are working from home.

The course is fully approved by the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM). This independent group set international standards for a variety of disciplines and sectors to ensure organisations are protecting those under their care at work.

How to become a site manager

CDM training is essential for project managers on construction sites. It is integral they understand their duties under the regulations. However, there are many other qualifications workers will need before they can get their CSCS black card and become a construction site manager. Check out our blog ‘Your Route to Becoming a Site Manager’ to find out how you can take the step up into construction site management.

Want to know more about how ESS can meet your training needs? Explore our full list of courses, NVQs and apprenticeships by visiting our online course index, or search our courses and NVQs using our handy website search function. You can also speak directly to a member of our team by calling us on 0115 8970 529. Alternatively you can email us at [email protected].