The Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024 came into force on 1 June 2024. For the first time, the client, meaning the person or organisation for whom a construction project is carried out, has clear legal duties for safety and health, from the earliest planning stage through to handover.
Why the client matters
Clients set the budget, the programme and the team. Decisions made long before anyone is on site, such as how much time is allowed for design or who is appointed, shape the risks workers will face later. CDM 2024 recognises this by placing duties on clients alongside designers and contractors.
Five things every client should have in place
- Suitable project arrangements. Allow realistic time and resources for design and construction, and make roles and responsibilities clear.
- Competent duty holders. Appoint a competent Principal Construction Work Designer (PCWD) and Principal Construction Work Contractor (PCWC) where the project requires them.
- Pre-construction information. Share what you know about the site and existing structures: drawings, surveys, utilities and known hazards.
- A planned construction phase. Make sure construction work is properly planned before it starts.
- The Safety and Health File. Receive and keep it at handover. It supports safe maintenance and future works.
Larger projects must also be notified to DOSH. Check early whether your project meets the notification threshold.
How CDMS can help
Our team, certified by DOSH as CDM Professionals, helps clients set up their CDM arrangements, check the competence of duty holders and stay on top of their duties without slowing the programme. Get in touch to discuss your 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.