Health and Safety

Question 1

What is the purpose of CDM 2015

Answer 1

CDM ensures that there is effective planning during the earliest design stages of a construction project.

These regulations also provide guidelines for health and safety protocols during the actual construction phase.

Question 2

Why was the CDM 2015 introduced

Answer 2

Aims to improve health and safety in the industry by helping you to: sensibly plan the work so the risks involved are managed from start to finish.

Question 3

What are the client duties under CDM

Answer 3

Make suitable arrangements for managing a project, including making sure:
other dutyholders are appointed as appropriate
sufficient time and resources are allocated
Make sure:
- relevant information is prepared and provided to other dutyholders
- the principal designer and principal contractor carry out their duties
- welfare facilities are provided

Question 4

What are the principal contractors duties under CDM

Answer 4

Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the construction phase of a project. This includes:

• liaising with the client and principal designer
• preparing the construction phase plan (PDF)
• organising cooperation between contractors and coordinating their work

Make sure:
suitable site inductions are provided
reasonable steps are taken to prevent unauthorised access
workers are consulted and engaged in securing their health and safety
welfare facilities are provided

Question 5

What should be included in a H&S file

Answer 5

-Information on the work being carried out.
- Hazards that have not been eliminated through the design and construction phases and how they have been addressed.

• Background information on the asset’s structure and form and any limitations – e.g., safe working loads for floors and roofs, the location of utility services, etc.
• Any hazardous materials used (e.g., paints, special coatings, etc.) that will prove useful when maintaining or removing these substances or working in affected areas.
• Information, including as-built drawings, including safe means of access to service areas.
  What should not b

Question 6

What makes a accident reportable

Answer 6

Injury cause workers to be off work for 7 consecutive days

Regulation 4 of RIDDOR lists ‘specified injuries’ which must be reported:
-fractures (other than to fingers, thumbs, and toes)
- amputation of an arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe
- any injury likely to cause permanent blinding or reduction in sight in one or both eyes

Non-fatal accidents to people other than workers - Accidents to members of the public or others who are not at work