Why Health and Safety Planning Matters for Every Construction Project
No matter the size of your project, construction work is one of the most hazardous industries in the UK. Poor health and safety planning isn’t just risky — it’s illegal. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) exist to prevent accidents, ensure worker welfare, and protect you from significant legal and financial consequences.
Avoid Costly Fines and Penalties
Protect Workers and Site Visitors
Meet Your Legal Responsibilities as a Client or Builder
Create Safer, More Efficient Worksites
Enhance Your Professional Reputation
Compliance with CDM regulations isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about building better — safer — projects from the ground up. At Compass HSC, we help you put the right systems in place without unnecessary paperwork or confusion, so you can focus on what you do best: delivering quality construction work on time and on budget.
Our Practical CDM Support Services
Whether you need full CDM management or just guidance to get started, Compass HSC offers flexible support packages tailored to the scale and needs of your project. We work alongside developers, builders, architects, and commercial clients to ensure full compliance and safer project delivery.
Principal Designer Support
We act as your expert Principal Designer, helping coordinate health and safety during the planning and design phase.
Site Safety Documentation
We prepare all required RAMS, Construction Phase Plans (CPP), and welfare documentation, tailored to your project.
Full CDM Management
From HSE notifications to ongoing site checks, we handle every compliance detail so you stay protected.
CDM Advisory for Developers & Commercial Clients
Not sure what your CDM duties are? We provide clear, practical advice to help you get compliant — fast.
Getting CDM Support is Simple
We make CDM compliance straightforward. Our proven process removes the guesswork and ensures you’re covered from start to finish, no matter the size of your project.
Free Consulatation
Book a quick, no-obligation call. We’ll review your project plans and identify your CDM duties.
Tailored Safety Plan
We prepare the documentation, plans, and notifications you need — tailored to your project.
Ongoing Compliance Support
We stay by your side during the build phase, ensuring health and safety obligations are fully met.
Who We Support
CDM regulations apply to all commercial construction work — including property conversions, refurbishments, and development projects involving multiple contractors. If you’re involved in managing, designing, or delivering construction work, you have legal responsibilities under CDM 2015. Here’s who we support:
Small Developers
If you’re commissioning or managing a project involving multiple contractors, you are classed as the Client under CDM 2015. You’re legally required to appoint a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor — and we help you do it right.
Self-Employed Builders
Even as a sole trader, if you’re acting as the main contractor or coordinating other trades, you are the Principal Contractor under CDM. We help you manage site safety, legal duties, and documentation.
Design & Build Firms / Main Contractors
If you’re delivering both design and construction, you hold CDM duties as both Principal Designer and Principal Contractor unless others are formally appointed. We provide end-to-end compliance support.
Landlords & Property Investors
If you’re funding or managing property developments for rental or resale, you are the Client under CDM — even if you’re not on site. We ensure you meet your obligations with minimal disruption.
Architects & Designers
If you’re involved in the design of a structure, you’re classed as a Designer under CDM. When no one else is appointed, you may also be legally responsible as Principal Designer. We help you stay protected and compliant.
When Health and Safety Fails: Real Case Studies
CDM regulations are not theoretical — real builders and developers face serious consequences when health and safety duties are neglected. Here are just a few recent examples of what can go wrong when CDM compliance is overlooked.
Sherwood Homes (Preston/Tarporley)
Fined £76,000 for multiple failings across two residential development sites — including poor site management and failure to notify the HSE.
Nofax Enterprises (London)
Fined £63,000 after repeated health and safety breaches, including unsafe work at height, fire risks, and exposure to silica dust.
Greenlife Property Developments (South Wales)
Fined £40,000 for ignoring HSE enforcement notices related to unsafe excavation practices.
G Mutch Developments (Manchester)
Issued a Community Order and fined for unlicensed asbestos removal — despite prior warnings and the known presence of hazardous materials.
These aren’t isolated incidents. The Health and Safety Executive actively prosecutes cases where CDM duties are ignored — and small-scale projects are not exempt. Avoid fines, reputational damage, and on-site risk by partnering with Compass HSC for practical, proactive health and safety support.
Not Sure If You’re CDM Compliant?
Many developers and builders aren’t even aware when CDM duties apply to their projects — until it’s too late. Download our free CDM Compliance Checklist and take the first step toward protecting your project, your workers, and your business.
No spam. No pressure. Just clear, professional advice from CDM experts.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDM Compliance
Still not sure where you stand under CDM 2015?
These are some of the most common questions we get from developers, builders, landlords, and design professionals.
If you’re unsure about anything, our team is ready to help with practical, no-nonsense advice.
I’m refurbishing a property to sell or rent — do CDM regulations apply to me?
Yes.
If you’re converting, developing, or refurbishing a property for commercial purposes — including resale or rental — you are classed as a commercial client under CDM 2015. This means you have legal duties to manage health and safety and appoint the right duty holders.
If I use subcontractors, am I considered the Principal Contractor?
Yes — unless you formally appoint someone else.
If you’re coordinating subcontractors, you are the Principal Contractor under CDM. That means you’re responsible for site safety, documentation, and managing compliance on the ground.
Do I need to appoint a Principal Designer?
Yes — if more than one contractor is involved.
A Principal Designer must be appointed to manage health and safety during the design phase. Compass HSC can take on this role to ensure compliance and reduce risk.
What are my responsibilities as a Client under CDM?
If the construction work is part of a business activity, then yes.
If you’re commissioning construction work in connection with a business — such as developing, converting, or refurbishing a property for sale, rent, or commercial use — you’re classed as a commercial client under CDM 2015. This means you’re legally responsible for appointing a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor and ensuring health and safety is managed throughout the project.
If the work is purely domestic (on your own home with no business involvement), different rules apply.
Does CDM apply to small projects like extensions or loft conversions?
Yes — if the work is for commercial purposes or involves multiple contractors.
Even small-scale construction work is covered by CDM 2015 if it’s done for commercial gain or requires coordination between trades. The size of the project doesn’t exempt you from legal duties.
What are the risks if I don’t comply with CDM?
You could face serious consequences — including fines, project shutdowns, or prosecution.
Even small-scale developers and builders have been fined £40,000–£75,000 for failing to meet basic CDM requirements.
Do I need to notify the HSE?
Only if your project lasts more than 30 days with 20+ workers, or exceeds 500 person-days.
We can assess your project and submit the F10 notification if required.
How much does CDM support cost?
We offer flexible support options based on the size, type, and complexity of your project. Whether you need a single service like a Construction Phase Plan or full CDM management, we’ll recommend the most cost-effective solution — without upselling or overcomplicating things.
The first consultation is completely free, and we’ll give you a clear recommendation based on what’s legally required and what’s proportionate to your build.
Ready to Protect Your Project? Let’s Get Started.
Book your free 15-minute CDM consultation today. We’ll help you understand your legal duties, avoid costly mistakes, and put a clear, compliant plan in place — tailored to your project and your role.
No jargon. No hard sell. Just straight answers to keep your project compliant.