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29 June 2005 - Designers Taking
Responsibility Under CDM Regulations
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Further to many in-depth designer audits by Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) specialist inspectors, conducted over a 3 year period, it now
seems that designers are taking more responsibility as placed upon them by CDM
Regulations with regards to risks associated in working at height, both in the
construction and future maintenance of buildings.
The audits, which took place in the North of England and
Scotland, showed an all too familiar pattern, such as the following:
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There was a lack of knowledge within design staff of which risks
they were required to address.
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Lack of knowledge about their CDM duties (to eliminate, reduce
and inform), combined with a lack of understanding about how to discharge them.
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Designers often produced volumes of generic risk assessments.
These were of no help to contractors. Essential hazard information
contained within was either none or very little.
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However, Principals of the design practice had better
understanding, but filtering to a more working level was poor.
The HSE Initiative has revealed that designers are more aware of
their responsibilities to health and safety risks and their duty to comply with
CDM Regulations and have improved in areas such as the following:
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Clients, planning supervisors and principal contractors now
proactively engaging designers.
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Increased number of designers had identified sources of training
to gain practical knowledge on health and safety.
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Design and health and safety now being seen as part and parcel
of design and not simply an add-on.
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An increase in team approaches to design.
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Greater success in reducing risk through the design process.
Acting Chief Inspector of Construction commented:
"I am very pleased to see improvements being made year on
year. This is indicative of all CDM dutyholders raising their game and reflects
the benefit of HSE's more proactive approach with designers, the positive
influence from other CDM duty holders and the efforts of the professional
bodies."
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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