3rd May 2006, 05:09 PM
There was confusion from the off with CDM. CDM actually applies to the entire project, from inception to completion, not just the construction phase. The first thing a designer has to do is inform the client of his duties and responsibilties under CDM - the first of which is to appoint a Planning Supervisor (often the same designer - the architect). This is how it was initially assumed that archaeology would come under it even if months or years in advance of the construction phase. There is therefore likely to be a PS on the project.
I would suggest that a prudent course of action when awarded a contract, whether contractor or consultant, would be to write (not phone or email) to the Employer and ask if a Planning Supervisor has been or will be appointed. Obviously you should know if there was, it would be in the tender documents with a H&S Plan, but such an enquiry would help protect your rear.
The applicabilty or not of CDM does not of course alleviate H&S site respnosibilties or issues.
We owe the dead nothing but the truth.
I would suggest that a prudent course of action when awarded a contract, whether contractor or consultant, would be to write (not phone or email) to the Employer and ask if a Planning Supervisor has been or will be appointed. Obviously you should know if there was, it would be in the tender documents with a H&S Plan, but such an enquiry would help protect your rear.
The applicabilty or not of CDM does not of course alleviate H&S site respnosibilties or issues.
We owe the dead nothing but the truth.