The influence of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 upon the procurement and management of small building works

This paper, which focuses on the impact of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 on the management of small building works, adds new data and analysis to the further development of a subset of findings from a major research study, supported by governmental and industry based sources, which investigated the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement methods, organizational systems and management approaches to small building works and minor maintenance projects. Within this industry subsector there has been and continues to be an apparent culture of misunderstanding in the application of the CDM Regulations. However, commonly such works are undertaken in active environments where buildings are occupied or are operational. This raises many issues and considerations which are key to the satisfactory implementation of the CDM Regulations. The application of the Regulations is examined explicitly in the context of managing small building works. The findings indicate that the CDM Regulations have left ambiguities, primarily through specified exclusions to application, through which health and safety responsibilities may be downplayed or even simply disregarded. Effective implementation of the CDM Regulations during the management of small building works requires that legislation be unambiguously translated into contract documentation, and also that there must be clear understanding by project participants of their committed and onerous responsibilities for project health and safety under the CDM Regulations.