Ian Brewerton Architecture

Work in the Construction Industry is dangerous, especially to construction workers. Although the safety record of industry in UK is better than that of the US or most European Union countries, the number of accidents in the construction sector remains too high, and they tend to be serious.

Q. How often do people fall off roofs ?

A. usually only the once ...

Safety has traditionally been seen as the builder's problem. During construction this remains true. However, UK law now says everyone involved in a construction project has responsibilities and duties. This includes clients.

This page is an introduction - no more - to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. It is not a complete statement of the law. Please refer to the 'Introduction' page

Some projects are exempt from the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. But not many ... Take a look at flow chart on the, below right, to get some idea of whether the regulations apply to your project. If you are having an extension to your home, the regulations probably do not apply but you (or your professional advisor) may still have to notify HSE. Most other projects (including repair and maintenance which exceeds the limits in the chart) will be subject to the Regulations.

'Early and provident fear is the mother of safety.'

Edmund Burke (1729-1797) British political writer

The penalties for failure to comply with the Regulations are criminal sanctions: fines and (in extreme cases) imprisonment.
The duties of designers and contractors are much as might be expected - to think ahead, to operate in a safe manner. Designers are expected to "design out" risks where possible; this applies to avoiding risks which could arise in the course of future maintenance as well as risks to construction workers. So you may find your Architect worrying about how you will be able to clean those inaccessible windows ...

There are a number of duties which apply to clients, but they boil down to:

• not employing cowboys (see FAQ)
• allowing the people you do employ sufficient time and resources to do their jobs properly (DON'T ask ' you don't really ned that scaffolding, do you ?')
• supplying them with relevant information you have or can reasonably obtain

If the Regulations apply to your project and your designer does not appear to know about the regulations they may not be competent - and you should not be employing them!