The law relating to health & safety in the construction industry changed on the 6th October 2015. From that date, all construction work (including domestic work on your home) has to comply with CDM 2015.
How does this affect you as a domestic client?
Although you, as the client, can pass the Health & Safety responsibility onto the principal contractor undertaking the work, you have the responsibility to ensure that this contractor is competent of managing this aspect throughout your building project.
How can you assert that the contractor is competent?
Ask him if he is CDM 2015 compliant, if not then do not employ him. If he answers yes, then ask him to demonstrate his competence with appropriate paperwork, oral knowledge and qualifications.
How can you be sure the contractor is competent?
The only way to guarantee that the contractor is CDM 2015 compliant is to ask to see evidence of training or qualification relevant to health & safety in the construction industry.
We at Sturgess & Sturgess Ltd are a competent company and our site managers are CITB, SMSTS qualified to the highest level within the construction industry H&SE scheme. By choosing us you fulfil your client obligation to appoint a competent company to manage Health & Safety throughout your project.
Remember, as of 6th October 2015, CDM 2015 is the law. Failure to follow the above could lead to prosecution in a court of law with unlimited fines.