What Is CDM? — Construction Design and Management

Definition

CDM (Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015) is the main set of regulations for managing health, safety, and welfare on construction projects in Great Britain. CDM 2015 replaced the earlier CDM 2007 and applies to all construction work, including domestic projects, commercial developments, and civil engineering. The regulations place duties on clients, designers, and contractors to plan, manage, and coordinate health and safety throughout a project.

When Is It Used?

CDM applies from the earliest design stage through to project completion and handover. A principal designer must be appointed on projects with more than one contractor, and a principal contractor must manage the construction phase. Even small domestic projects (a single contractor fitting a kitchen, for example) require the contractor to have a construction phase plan proportionate to the risks involved.

Key Facts

• CDM 2015 applies to all construction projects in England, Scotland, and Wales
• F10 notification required if project exceeds 30 days with 20+ workers, or 500+ person-days
• A construction phase plan must be in place before work starts on site
• Principal designer must be appointed on multi-contractor projects
• Welfare facilities (toilets, washing, rest area, drinking water) must be provided from day one
• Designers must eliminate or reduce hazards through design choices (designing out risk)
• The health and safety file must be handed to the client at project completion
• Enforcement is by the HSE, with powers to issue improvement/prohibition notices and prosecute

Related Calculators

Use the Project Cost Calculator to budget for CDM compliance costs, or the Scaffolding Calculator for safe access planning. The Skip Calculator helps with waste management planning required by CDM.