What does CDM mean in CONSTRUCTION

Construction Design and Management (CDM) is an acronym for a set of regulations and guidelines for best practice in the construction industry. It was established by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in 1994 to ensure that all parties involved in construction projects are working safely, as well as preventing injury and ill health of workers and members of the public.

CDM regulates everyone who works on or uses a construction site, including contractors, consultants, building owners/employers, architects/designers, temporary staff and suppliers. Everyone has different duties under CDM; these are outlined clearly in the regulations.

CDM covers all aspects of a project from design to delivery on-site. This includes activities such as excavation work, cranes/machinery operation, risk management plans, scaffolding erecting/dismantling etc.

To meet requirements under CDM there must be adequate planning before any work begins on-site. The client must check that contractors have appropriate resources and competence to carry out their task efficiently and safely; This includes making sure that they have insurance cover if necessary too.

If someone fails to follow regulation they can face enforcement action which could lead to fines or imprisonment depending on individual cases. In addition if something goes wrong safety wise then employees may be entitled to claim compensation due to their employer's negligence relating to health & safety issues such as manual handling injuries or slips trips & falls etc.