How Principal Contractors save lives…

The construction industry saw a 50% increase in fatal accidents last year. In this blog, we'll dive into how a Principal Contractor can help prevent accidents on construction sites...

September 21, 2023

Even in 2023, the construction industry remains the sector that kills the most workers. By a significant margin. According to data from RIDDOR, 45 construction workers were killed on the job between the 1st of April 2022 and the 31st of March 2023. 

This is a shocking increase of more than 50% from the twelve months prior – which saw 29 construction workers killed whilst at work. Alarmingly, the construction industry also had more than twice as many work-related deaths as any other industry last year.

Scary figures for many of our clients working within CDM…

(Graph credit: HSE, 2023) 

Health & Safety must be more than a tickbox exercise

Here at pm Connections, we know that even one death whilst at work is too many. And while every workplace fatality has its own unique circumstances, a common thread running through each of these tragic stories is the lack of implemented safety measures.

Therefore, having safety protocols that look good on paper is not enough. These measures must be actionable, rigorously enforced, and proven to work in real-world conditions.

This month, we delve into the role of the Principal Contractor and how it contributes to safer work practices in the construction industry.

What are Principal Contractors?

The Principal Contractor is responsible for planning, managing, and coordinating health and safety during the construction phase of a CDM project. Unlike the Principal Designer, who focuses on pre-construction, the Principal Contractor’s role begins once the project is underway. They are responsible for enforcing the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM, 2015).

When are Principal Contractors required?

It is a legal obligation that a Principal Contractor must be appointed, in writing, on all construction projects that are anticipated to use more than one contractor. This is specified specifically in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. 

A Principal Contractor must be appointed: 

• By the client
• At the very start of the project
• On all construction projects using more than one contractor

What counts as construction work?

The phrase “construction work” encompasses a wide range of activities, including:

• Building and renovating – Whether you’re constructing a new building, making alterations, or even just sprucing up an existing one, if you’re using more than one contractor, that is classed as construction work.
• Site preparation –  Before any building goes up, the site needs to be prepared. This can involve clearing the land, conducting exploratory work, and excavation. However, note that pre-construction archaeological investigations don’t fall under this category.
• Prefab assembly – If you’re putting together prefabricated elements on-site to create a structure, you’re engaged in construction work.
• Demolition and dismantling – Taking down a structure, whether it’s a full demolition or just disassembling prefabricated elements, is also considered construction work.
• Waste removal – After demolition or dismantling, the removal of any waste materials is part of the construction process.
• Installing service –  The work isn’t over once the structure is up. Installing or maintaining systems like electrical, gas, or computer services also falls under the umbrella of construction work.

A crucial element of Construction Risk Management

Appointing a Principal Contractor is vital for Construction Risk Management. This ensures that all activities during the construction phase are carried out safely, without negatively affecting the health and safety of those involved.

The role of Principal Contractors involves:

• General oversight of the project

Planning, managing, and coordinating the entire construction phase of the project.

• Liaison with the wider team 

Liaising closely with the client and the Principal Designer to manage risks throughout the construction project. 

• Creating a safety blueprint

Preparing a written construction phase plan and regularly reviewing it to ensure it is fit for purpose. 

• Engaging with workers

Actively consulting and engaging with workers to ask about their health, safety, and welfare. This also allows them to ensure that workers understand the significance of Health & Safety.

• Checking legal compliance

Ensuring all work is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations – as well as checking that all workers have the site-specific inductions, accreditations and training needed to complete the work safely. 

• Managing subcontractors 

Coordinating activities and informing subcontractors of all site rules and potential risks.

The cost of neglecting the Principal Contractor’s role

Overlooking or underestimating Principal Contractors can have severe consequences. From minor delays and cost overruns to potentially serious accidents and mishaps. And, as the recent spike in construction deaths show, failing to take adequate precautions or choosing the wrong Principal Contractor is not just a failure to comply with regulations. It can quickly become a matter of life and death…

Why are there so many fatalities in the construction industry?

Whilst it is hard to speak for an entire industry, it is easy to see how a combination of heavy machinery and a lax day-to-day attitude towards safety could result in such a high rate of fatal accidents within the construction industry.

However, one thing is certain – each tragic loss of life underscores the need for an ongoing culture of safety and compliance. Appointing a Principal Contractor at the very start of your construction project is one of the most effective ways to ensure safety is prioritised throughout your project.

So, if you’re looking for Principal Contractors for your next CDM project, please give us a call at 01925 649 818 or drop us a message. We would be happy to help!