SCO/154/08 6 October 2008

Building designers in Scotland told - innovative building design essential but include health and safety too

To mark World Architecture Day 2008, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding building designers in Scotland to plan in health and safety, as well as creativity and innovation, when working on new projects.

Designers are reminded of their obligations under the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007).

Having been developed over the last four years in consultation with the industry and stakeholders and by consolidating the duties imposed on those in the construction process, CDM 2007 provides a powerful and compelling focus for change. The responsibilities on an architect extend beyond the construction of a building. Architects need to consider the safety of those who use the building and those who will repair, clean and maintain it throughout its life.

Clients are also encouraged to play a major part in improving the industry’s health and safety performance. At the same time they should benefit from better project costs, time and quality control.

HSE Principal Construction Inspector Jim Skilling said:

"World Architecture Day is held to encourage and inspire better more creative architecture, and an improved built environment for future generations.

"CDM 2007 aims to encourage and develop this innovative thinking, so that health and safety is incorporated in all new buildings, from construction to eventual demolition. Simple things can make a difference - how safe will it be to build this new structure? How easy will it be to clean the windows?

"HSE hope that safety can be incorporated into all of Scotland’s new buildings and structures without stifling great design or innovation."

Notes to Editors:

1. World Architecture Day is celebrated today (October 6)
2. Construction remains one of the highest risk sectors with one fatality occurring each week in the UK despite the improvements made in recent years.
3. The CDM Regulations have been developed with the support of industry stakeholders and the Health and Safety Commission’s Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) and its CDM working group. More information for Dutyholders is available in the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) ‘Managing health and Safety in Construction.’ The ACoP is available from HSE Books.
4. The revised CDM regulations aim to improve the level of health and safety performance in the construction industry by clarifying the responsibilities of each dutyholder and focusing on effective planning and risk management.
5. The main expectations on those preparing building designs include:
   • Elimination of hazards;
   • Reduction of risks to those liable to be affected by the construction work;
   • Information to be provided to those both building the structure and to those maintaining the permanent fixtures and fittings of the structure.
   • Co-operation with all the dutyholders involved.

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