Those of our UK-based readers who are responsible for construction projects are probably aware that the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) will come into force on April 6, 2015.   The new Regulations will place specific duties on construction contractors, designers, and clients who engage in construction work, and further strengthen their existing duties so far as safety is concerned.

Clients must ensure that health and safety is managed throughout the project either by themselves with the support of competent safety experts or by the appointment of a Principal Designer, where more than one contractor is used, with responsibility for safety throughout the project.   The new regulations apply to all construction work whether or not it is notifiable.

What are the new ways of managing your construction projects? And what will be the main criteria for choosing your safety expert to ensure compliance with the new Regulations?