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By chris

11 Tips for Project CDM in 2021

Project Four Safety Solutions have put together 11 top tips into simple terms for Project CDM in 2021.

1. DEVELOP THE CLIENT BRIEFING

Very rarely done effectively (from a CDM perspective) + is a missed opportunity to set the tone of the project, in relation to CDM compliance + engagement.

2. EARLY APPOINTMENT (OR AT LEAST ENGAGEMENT/CONULTATION)

The appointment of CDM advisors or PD/PD support at the earliest opportunity – we can add greater value + be better positions amongst the team. We can always undertake an initial desktop appraisal to offer initial consultation for the project – offering at least minimum compliance from the onset

3. GET APPOINTMENTS NAILED DOWN PROPERLY

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It is important that appointments + scopes are correct and agreed. To often we see a mish mash of client + principal designer duties. We promote + encourage the APS Form of Appointment, the industry benchmark.

4. ENSURE DUTYHOLDERS UNDERSTAND/APPRECIATE THEIR OBLIGATIONS

At P4 upon appointment we ensure that we deliver a strategic project briefing to ensure that all key stakeholders are fully briefed, understand their obligations + what the client expects.

5. REGARDLESS OF ROLE – AGEE THE DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FROM DAY ONE.

  • One global hazard + risk register (set a tab up for each discipline) – reduce paper work.
  • Notes / symbols on drawings
  • ACM Strategy
  • Report on compliance

6. DON’T IGNORE THOSE MUNDANE – PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS

  • SKET Assessments (formerly referred to as competence assessments) – have you done these? We can provide templates if needed.
  • Pre-construction information – eliminate + reduce generic guff – project specific information, don’t duplicate + ensure shared amongst the team for feedback (gap analysis).

7. FOR GODS SAKE – ENSURE CDM + PD IS ON THE MEETINGS AGENDA

Too often do we attend meetings – and CDM isn’t on the meeting or is stuck right at the bottom.

8. DON’T KEEP DOING THE SAME THING + EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS

  • The changes to CDM IN 2015 were a significant shift + fundamental change to the structure of the regulations – don’t keep applying the same approach as 1994 + 2007. Embrace the change.
  • We hear / see many different attitudes towards CDM obligation (statutory obligations – not an optional extra) – change within the industry is needed.

9. REDUCE UNNECESSARY MEETINGS

We accept meetings are an essential part of project delivery, particularly at pre-construction for creating collaborative working, design development…but meetings alone do not dictate CDM compliance.

At P4 we will discuss + agree (set expectations) meetings attendance from day one – requesting a slot within the meeting once initial setup satisfied.

10. BE READY – SHIFT IN HSE FOCUS + ENFORCEMENT/INTERVENTION

We are seeing a real shift in the focus of the Health + Safety Executive in that we are now seeing other duty holders, other than the PC being targeted. This is a positive for the industry but compliance levels need to improve across PD’s and clients.

11. ENGAGE + VALUE PROJECT APPOINTMENTS

CDM is not just box ticking + paperwork, though our profession has a bad reputation – CDM applied properly can offer real project value from pre-construction through until + beyond operation/occupation.

 

Words by Alan Robson, Managing Director of Project Four.

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