The current health and safety regime for construction projects, the CDM Regulations 2007, are changing and, subject to Government approval, will be revoked and replaced with the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) on 6 April 2015. CDM 2015 will apply to all construction projects and are wide ranging, with practical implications for projects at both the domestic and commercial levels. For example, a construction phase plan is mandatory for every project and clients must ensure the plan is in place before any works commence, including setting up the construction site.

Whilst the new regulations take effect from 6 April 2015, CDM 2015 apply even to those projects which are currently on site and due to complete after the effective date. There are a number of transitional provisions in place to assist these projects and if you have any concerns or queries please contact us for advice on how to make your scheme CDM 2015 compliant.

A more detailed analysis of the implications of CDM 2015 for clients and contractors, written when the regulations were released in draft form, can be found here. We will be updating the article in light of the final regulations becoming available, so watch this space for updates.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.