11 Tips for Project CDM in 2021
Alan Robson.
Chairman Project Four #P4 Embracing a 4-day week Supporting clients at project level + strategically with BSA, CDM + Safety
During our final team meeting of 2020 we decided to pull together our 11 top tips, and put into simple terms - so here they are:
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
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.