These Regulations matter for builders, trades, designers, landlords and commercial clients arranging works. Even a fit-out, refurbishment or small construction project needs clear roles, competence checks, risk information and site coordination.
Main laws
United Kingdom Regulation
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
The CDM Regulations 2015 set health and safety duties for construction projects in Great Britain.
In forceUnited KingdomPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- These Regulations matter for builders, trades, designers, landlords and commercial clients arranging works.
- Even a fit-out, refurbishment or small construction project needs clear roles, competence checks, risk information and site coordination.
Likely relevant if
- Construction businesses and trades
- Designers, architects and project managers
- Commercial landlords and tenants arranging works
Check first
- Identify client, designer, contractor and principal dutyholder roles
- Plan and manage construction risks before work starts
- Prepare pre-construction information and construction phase plans where required
What this means in practice
Key points
- The client has duties even if it is not a construction company.
- A small job can still need clear site safety planning.
- Contracts should match the dutyholder roles everyone is actually performing.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Construction businesses and trades
- Designers, architects and project managers
- Commercial landlords and tenants arranging works
- Businesses commissioning fit-outs or refurbishments
What to check first
Sense check
- Identify client, designer, contractor and principal dutyholder roles
- Plan and manage construction risks before work starts
- Prepare pre-construction information and construction phase plans where required
- Coordinate health and safety information across the project
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- Construction appointments
- Pre-construction information
- Construction phase plan
- Contractor competence checks
- Site induction records