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Principal Contractors in yellow hard hat working

We're reminded this month that quality and expertise are essential to consider when choosing your Principal Contractors…

February 12, 2024

Nearly a decade after the introduction of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, a worrying number of organisations remain non-compliant with construction project management standards.

This was highlighted, unfortunately, when two firms were recently fined a total of £46,000 after a severe lapse in oversight led to a worker sustaining significant injuries. 

How do the failures of Principal Contractors affect a project?

In a distressing event in March 2021, a labourer suffered a skull fracture and additional injuries after falling through a stairwell on a construction site, exposing the grave consequences of inadequate safety measures.

An investigation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that both the Principal Contractor appointed and the Contractor in control of the construction had failed to plan, manage and monitor work at the site to ensure it could be carried out safely.

Both of the companies involved pleaded guilty to breaching provisions of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (2015). 

HSE Inspector, David Brassington commented: “This incident could so easily have been avoided had the risks associated with working on the upper floors been adequately assessed and measures been taken to protect the stairwell openings.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Principal Contractors: What can we learn from this accident?

Building Safety Act 2022

This incident serves as a critical reminder from our team here at pm Connections about the importance of not treating CDM Safety roles as mere formalities. 

While you could be tempted to view the appointment of Principal Contractors as a check-box exercise, the repercussions of neglecting the gravity of this role could be dire. In the incident above, not only did the involved companies incur hefty fines and suffer reputational damage, but more critically, a 43-year-old man sustained severe injuries. 

We’re reminded that cutting corners when it comes to CDM Safety isn’t something for us to take lightly – there are lives at risk. 

What do Principal Contractors do?

You might be reading this thinking that’s all well and good – but what does a Principal Contractor actually do again? Luckily for you, we’re here to remind you. 

A Principal Contractor is pivotal in ensuring that every aspect of your construction project adheres to the highest of safety standards. They are responsible for:

  • Overseeing all construction phases from planning to coordination
  • Ensuring everyone’s safety through comprehensive risk assessments
  • Keeping constant communication with the client and Principal Designer
  • Creating and updating a construction phase plan
  • Executing long-term health and safety strategies
  • Fostering a safety culture on-site
  • Ensuring the provision of essential welfare facilities
  • Ensuring that all personnel possess the appropriate skills for their tasks
  • Delivering site-specific inductions and necessary additional training
  • Preventing unauthorised site access

The top traits to look for when choosing your CDM Principal Contractors: 

As this story highlights, choosing the right Principal Contractor is essential. If you fail to get this part right, you’re risking a real cost to human life and business livelihood. With that said, these are our top tips when choosing your Principal Contractor:

  • Proven experience in managing construction projects similar to yours
  • A strong track record in health and safety compliance
  • Expertise in resource allocation and project scheduling
  • Comprehensive understanding of CDM Regulations 2015

Choose pm Connections for your Principal Contractors

To conclude, the incident is a sobering reminder that cutting corners on safety isn’t worth the risk. Every decision we make in the construction process can have life-altering consequences for those on the ground. 

If you’re looking for a Principal Contractor for your next construction project, then get in touch.  Give our team of experts a call on 01925 649 818 or get in touch with us via our website.

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