CDM 2024 spreads responsibility for safety and health across everyone who shapes a construction project. Knowing who does what avoids gaps, and duplicated effort, between design and construction.
The duty holders at a glance
- Client: makes suitable project arrangements, provides pre-construction information and appoints competent duty holders.
- Principal Construction Work Designer (PCWD): plans, manages, monitors and coordinates health and safety during the pre-construction phase, so that design risks are eliminated or reduced, and information on remaining risks is passed on.
- Construction Work Designer (CWD): applies the General Principles of Prevention (GPP) in their own design to eliminate or reduce risks, and passes on information about remaining risks.
- Principal Construction Work Contractor (PCWC): plans, manages, monitors and coordinates health and safety during the construction phase, including coordination between their own sub-contractors, designers and specialists, and reviews residual risks before work starts.
- Construction Work Contractor (CWC): applies the General Principles of Prevention (GPP) when planning, managing and carrying out their own work, in line with the construction phase arrangements.
Where things usually go wrong
In practice, most gaps appear at the handover points: when design information reaches the contractor without clear notes on residual risk, or when design changes during construction are not reviewed for safety. Clear roles from the start, and a consistent flow of information, close those gaps.
How CDMS can help
We support each duty holder with practical CDM 2024 advice, design risk reviews and pre-construction reviews. Contact us to find out how we can support your role on your next project.
This article is general guidance only. Always refer to the gazetted Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024 for the exact legal requirements.