Principal contractors

Every principal contractor should plan, manage and coordinate work during the construction phase to make sure that risks are properly controlled.

You must also comply with duties placed on all contractors under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM).

You should:

• provide contractors with information about the project so that they can work safely and without risks to health;
• ensure good co-operation and co-ordination between all parties involved in the building project;
• check that other contractors identify, assess and manage relevant risks to health; and
• make sure that suitable welfare facilities are in place before work starts on site.

You only need a written plan for notifiable CDM projects, but writing a health and safety plan helps you to:

• identify the full range of health risks that arise from the work;
• manage occupational health risks on site; and
• oversee other contractors’ management arrangements.

Your health and safety plan should:

• set out the arrangements that are needed to manage health risks and co-ordinate the work on site (see five stages of managing occupational health);
• be tailored to the specific project and not just a collection of generic assessments;
• be ready before the construction phase starts; and
• describe arrangements for controlling significant health risks, including:
  • removal of asbestos;
  • contaminated land;
  • manual handling;
  • hazardous substances; and
  • noise and vibration.