EDDIE IZZARD

The latest news and views from SAPCA
No matter how large or
small the project, the
client will have statutory
responsibility for the works
challenges that are beyond the everyday
experience of the construction team.
You must provide information about
the hazards present on the land to
your contractor. This is very important,
especially in the area where construction
will take place or on the access route to
it. In particular tell the contractor about
underground cables, underground voids
(septic tank, old wells, swallow holes
etc.), contaminated ground or asbestos,
unstable structures or trees – anything
that may be dangerous to those surveying
the site, carrying out the construction or
undertaking subsequent maintenance.
Sufficient time must be allocated for
the works to be properly planned and then
safely executed. Do not impose contract
terms that require the construction team
to work to an unrealistic deadline to start
and/or complete the works or without
provision for progress to be delayed if
conditions are unsafe for them to continue.
Your contractor should provide you with
a copy of the job-specific health and safety
plan, which shows that the risks associated
with the works that are going to be done
have been assessed and a safe method
Sufficient time must be allocated for the works
to be properly planned and then safely executed
– do not impose unrealistic deadlines
of working established in advance of that
work starting. It’ll also detail how suitable
welfare facilities are going to be provided.
Until the plan is sufficiently advanced and
the welfare facilities have been set up on
site, the client mustn’t allow work to begin.
The health and safety file must contain
information for those undertaking future
projects at your premises. Having agreed
the format before work started you should
ensure it is handed to you by the time the
works are complete.
Strictly speaking, projects where only
one contractor is appointed do not have
to provide a health and safety file, but
it’s a good idea to have a record of what
was done, what materials were used and
outline any hidden hazards that could
catch someone out in the future.
Still unsure about what to do?
It’s understood that for many small projects
clients will not be experienced, so one of
the legal duties of your contractor under
CDM 2015 is to check that you are aware
of your duties as the client.
So if you have appointed a competent
contractor, the company should be
able to assist you. If they don’t raise
the subject with you or are unclear on
what’s required when asked, you need to
remember your first duty is to appoint a
contractor who does have the necessary
skills and knowledge of these health and
safety matters.
For further information on the new
CDM guidance, visit the HSE website:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/
cdm/2015/responsibilities.htm
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 4 2015 © Cybertrek 2015 83