The Role of a CDM Coordinator and It’s Importance
Ever since the official Construction Design and Management Regulations were implemented in 2007, there has been a requirement to appoint a reliable and qualified CDM Coordinator for every project that is planned to last longer than 30 days or 500 person days. The CDM Regulations apply to not just the construction work itself, but also the design, management and planning of the work. These regulations dictate the specific duties of contractors, clients, designers and other individuals involved in the project – especially their responsibility to plan an approach to health and safety. These regulations are very important, because they help to focus the attention of the entire team on the health and safety aspects of the project. Overall, this helps to improve the management and planning of projects, so that you can identify hazards and create workable solutions for health and safety. It is very important to integrate health and safety throughout the entire management structure, so that everyone who is involved in the project can work together. The CDM regulations apply to all construction work and they cover a full range of activities, including civil engineering, building, demolition, site clearance and site preparation. Hiring a CDM Coordinator is very important, as they will ensure that all regulations are being followed in a satisfactory way. Alternatively learn how to become a CDM Coordinator. The CDM Coordinator plays a very important role in the construction process.
The Responsibilities of a CDM Coordinator
What are the responsibilities of a CDM Coordinator? One of the main responsibilities is to advise and assist the client with their duties and to notify the Health and Safety executive of the details of the project. Also, they are responsible for co-ordinating health and safety aspects of design work and working together with others who are involved in the project. The CDM Coordinator is also responsible for facilitating any communication between the contractors, designers and the client – as well as liaising with the contractor of the project about the design. This might include conducting design audits, inspections and construction site audits. Also, part of their job is identifying and collecting pre-construction information and providing it in a convenient form to designers and contractors. They will also be the one who takes care of updating and preparing the health and safety file. After keeping this file updating throughout the project, they will pass it to the client at the end of the construction project. They can also help by working closely with the client and verifying the sufficiency of the phase plan for construction – determining whether the welfare provisions will be adequate. Essentially, the primary role of the CDM Coordinator is to provide the client with a key project advisor when it comes to the health and safety risk management of the construction project. When you hire a CDM coordinator, they can make a significant contribution to reducing the risks that workers are subjected to during construction. Their role involves delegating duties and responsibilities where they will most benefit health and safety. It is recommended that clients appoint the CDM Coordinator as soon as possible, preferably at the beginning of the project.
What are the Advantages of Hiring a CDM Co-Ordinator?
There are many benefits to hiring a CDM Coordinator to be involved with a project. Of course, the main benefit is that they will help to improve the construction health and safety on the project itself. This is the main reason why these coordinators are hired for such projects. However, an experienced and talented CDM coordinator will bring with them many other benefits – improving health and safety performance in a number of different ways. For example, here are some of the benefits that a CDM Coordinator can offer:
- Coordinators can improve teamwork by requiring cooperation between all of the designers, clients, coordinators and duty holders involved in the project.
- They will help to open up communication channels between the different members of the project team, which will improve working relationships and increase the share of knowledge and skills.
- The CDM Coordinator will make sure that all aspects of the project are planned out, which will allow for more accurate predictions of the deadlines to be achieved.
- Also, with the help of a good CDM Coordinator you will be able to encourage the contribution of alternate views, perspectives, knowledge and skills from the other members of the project team.
- A CDM Coordinator can also help with cost reduction as well. They can reduce delays, help the project become more streamlined and efficient and spot any flaws in the process.
These are just a few of the many ways that CDM Coordinators help with the smooth running of a construction project and offer benefits.
What to Known When Hiring a CDM Coordinator
Now that you know what a CDM Coordinator does and why this role is so important, what should you keep in mind if you are hiring one for your next project? First of all, you should make sure that the people you are hiring hold the right qualifications and that certificates are up to date and awarded by respected Health and Safety organisations. Secondly, you should consult other companies who have previously used CDM Coordinators and ask them who they would recommend. Getting a personal recommendation is a great idea, because you will be able to hear an honest opinion of the service that was provided. You should ask what services are included, such as site safety inspections or accident analysis, so that you are clear on what you are getting for your money. You may or may not need to hire someone else to perform these services. Also, remember that it is not always the size of the agency that offers the best quality of service. Every agency is different, so it is important not to make assumptions. It is worth taking the time to talk to several different companies, as well as their previous clients, so that you can hire someone who you can trust to do the best for your project.