Construction (Design and Management) Regulations

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM regulations) came into force in 2007. They provide a framework for ensuring that your construction site is a safe place of work.  They apply to all path construction works, and even bridge construction, although not to things like fencing or tree planting.

The CDM regulations define two types of project:

• notifiable - a project which lasts more than 30 working days or 500 person days of construction work and so the regulations apply in full; or

• non-notifiable – a project which lasts less than 30 working days work or 500 person days and so the regulations apply in part.

It is a legal requirement to inform the Health and Safety Executive about any notifiable projects. There is a standard process and form for doing this.

The regulations define various roles and their duties which must be fulfilled.  The regulations are quite complex and many people employ a contractor to manage the CDM side of their project.  However, as a client, you must ensure that everyone is competent to carry out their respective role.

There is further information on the CDM Regulations 2007 within the Lowland Paths Guide and in this factsheet.