The HSE (www.hse.gov.uk) has published a Consultative Document which sets out the Health and Safety Commission’s proposals for a single set of Regulations, and supporting guidance, covering construction work in Great Britain.
New impetus on construction safety
The proposed Regulations would consolidate and revise provisions in the Construction (Design and Management) CDM) Regulations 1994 and the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) CHSW) Regulations 1996, which implemented the Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites Directive (TMCS) 1992/57/EEC).
Reasons for replacing the old legislation and what is intended for the future are included in the document. The new Regulations will follow and come into play during 2006.
“So, what is new?” asks CIRIA. The client’s role is to become even more centre stage. The new Regulations replace not only the 1994 CDM Regulations but also the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996. The aim is to simplify and clarify what duty holders need to do so that they can easily identify and understand their role. The HSE is looking to the industry to respond in a holistic manner.
CIRIA’s CDM guidance, training material and CDs have been regularly updated and widely disseminated across industry for over a decade and, in light of the HSE Consultative Document, will need to be updated and/or replaced once more. CIRIA has been focusing on what should be done and how. For more information, visit www.ciria.org/cdm or contact Alan Gilbertson at CIRIA. Tel 020 7253 0523. Email: alan.gilbertson@ciria.org
