CDM 2007 contractors
For information about the role of contractors under the 2015 CDM regulations see CDM 2015 contractors.
The text below relates to the superseded 2007 CDM regulations and is provided as a historical reference.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (or 'CDM Regulations') are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced.
They were introduced in 1994 and came into force on 31 March 1995. They were substantially revised in 2007.
The regulations impose duties on:
- The client.
- Designers.
- The CDM co-ordinator.
- The principal contractor.
- Contractors.
- Workers.
The regulations define construction work as '...the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work'.
The regulations define contractors as '...any person (including a client, principal contractor or other person referred to in these Regulations) who, in the course or furtherance of a business, carries out or manages construction work'. This is as opposed to the 'principal contractor' whose role is to plan, manage and co-ordinate health and safety during construction.
The duties of contractors include:
- Ensuring the client is aware of their duties under the regulations.
- Planning, managing and monitoring their own work and that of their workers so that as far as is reasonably practicable, it is carried out without risks to health and safety.
- Ensuring that sub-contractors are informed of the minimum amount of time that will be allowed for planning and preparation (the CDM planning period).
- Providing appropriate site inductions, information and training for their workers.
- Preventing access by unauthorised persons.
- Ensuring that adequate welfare facilities are provided.
Where projects are notifiable under the regulations (projects which last more than 30 days or involve more than 500 person-days of construction work), the contractor must also:
- Ensure that a CDM co-ordinator and principal contractor have been appointed.
- Have access to the construction phase plan.
- Ensure that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been notified before work starts.
- Co-operate with the principal contractor in planning and managing work.
- Provide information necessary for the health and safety file.
- Comply with site rules and the construction phase plan and take appropriate action to ensure health and safety where it is not possible to comply with the construction phase plan.
- Provide the principal contractor with details to of any sub-contractors.
- Provide information needed for the health and safety file.
- Inform the principal contractor of any changes needed to the construction phase plan.
- Inform the principal contractor of reportable incidents or accidents.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.