HSC press release C012:05 - 31 March 2005
Today, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) begins a 4 months online consultation on its proposals to revise and consolidate the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 1994 and the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) (CHSW) Regulations 1996, and revise the supporting guidance.
The proposals were developed in close partnership with construction industry stakeholders. They address issues highlighted in responses to the 2002 Discussion Document, "Revitalising Health and Safety in Construction". These indicated that most stakeholders agreed with the principles underpinning the CDM Regulations. However, the way in which parts of the industry had implemented the Regulations in practice meant that those principles were often being obscured beneath layers of bureaucracy and paperwork. The proposed revisions are intended to refocus attention on effective, but practical, planning and management of construction projects.
The revised Regulations provide a strengthened framework to facilitate and encourage more effective co-operation and communication within a competent project team. In support of this, HSC has:
Welcoming the consultation Bill Callaghan, Chair of HSC said:
"These proposals reflect HSC's and the Construction Industry Advisory Committee's (CONIAC) commitment that revision of the CDM Regulations should improve the management of risk and ensure responsibility is placed with those in the best position to influence or manage it.
"We believe that a successful, and safe, construction project is one which is well planned and managed throughout, and which involves a competent team working well together. The proposals reflect this."
The draft Regulations allocate responsibilities in a practical and proportionate way, and explain simply what duty holders need to do, so they understand their own role (and those of other project team members). They also support the better business principles promoted by "Rethinking Construction" and "Accelerating Change". Experience shows projects that apply those principles deliver better to time, cost and quality, as well as being safer.
The proposals have been developed in close partnership with the industry. HSC have used the experience and knowledge gained since the CDM Regulations first came into force, to make changes to improve health and safety standards more widely across the industry. However such improvements will only be possible, if the industry not only embraces the philosophy behind the changes, but also, puts it into practice.
HSC is keen to receive views, on the revised Regulations and guidance, from existing and new stakeholders who will be affected by the proposals.
The full text of the draft revised Regulations and guidance, plus an electronic reply form, can be viewed or downloaded from the HSE website at http://consultations.hse.gov.uk/inovem/consult.ti/conregs/consultationHome
3) CONIAC advises HSC on the protection of people at work and others from hazards to health and safety within the building, civil engineering, engineering and construction industries.
CONIAC was reconstituted at the beginning of 2004, with a smaller membership and a new approach. The new approach reflects the desire of HSC to work in partnership with intermediary groups in the construction industry and to take forward the new HSC Strategy.
CONIAC has six sub groups to take forward its workplan. These sub groups align closely with the aims of the Construction Divisions Priority Programme.
Designer Working Party
Safety Working Party
Working Well Together Steering Group
Occupational Health Working party
Worker Engagement Working Party
CDM Regulations Review Working party
4) "Revitalising Health and Safety in Construction". 2002 Discussion Document, published by HSE, see http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/2002.htm
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