Why do I need a CDM Coordinator?
To ensure the health and safety of all involved in your manufacturing project, having a CDM coordinator is vital. The CDM (Construction, Design and Management) coordinator makes sure that all health and safety guidelines are followed during work. Having a coordinator on hand also makes sure all workers fully understand all CDM requirements. Ultimately, the role makes sure that all risks are found and reduced, creating a much safer worksite. Whether your CDM coordination work is outsourced or in-house, there are benefits to having a coordinator.
Responsibilities of a CDM coordinator
The coordinator is involved in the following areas:
• Makes sure regulations are in place at both design and planning stages.
• Makes sure the designer is aware of all health and safety documents.
• Checks to see if all designers have fulfilled health and safety requirements.
• Records all health and safety information during the project.
• Makes sure a health and safety plan is included in the tendering process. This plan becomes the responsibility of the principal contractor once appointed.
• Notifies HSE via an F10 form
• Advises the client of the final health and safety plan as well as any related documents.
• Regularly audits ongoing worksite practices and creates corrective action lists where needed.
Advantages of having a CDM coordinator
Having a coordinator on hand will help in these ways:
• Makes sure there is a dedicated point of contact for dealing with all health and safety matters onsite.
• Improves communication and teamwork between all involved in the project, including clients, designers and contractors.
• Promotes the sharing of knowledge and skills between workers to further improve health and safety procedures.
• Assigns time for planning that will lead to a better use of resources, a clearer grasp of demands for each role, and a safer overall workplace.
• Prevents delays due to poor planning and unsafe conditions, which in turn reduces costs.
• Keeps an eye on current regulations and makes sure that any updated regulations are applied as soon as they become known.
In-house CDM coordination vs outsourcing
While businesses may decide to use an in-house CDM coordinator, there are certain benefits that come with outsourcing:
• Outsourcing CDM work means it can be done by specialists in the field. By outsourcing you can make sure that the advice you receive is bespoke and up to date.
• By outsourcing CDM work you can keep in-house labour costs down. Outsourcing means you only pay for the service you need and do not have to outlay hiring and training costs for short term projects.
• Outsourced coordinators come fully qualified and with all the training, knowledge and skills needed for the job.
• Having an outsourced CDM coordinator lessens the risk of disruption caused by in-house staff leaving.
Why Use ST&L For CDM Coordination?
Since 1998 we at ST&L have been assessing workplaces and helping them fulfil health and safety requirements. Our qualified team are on hand to ensure the well-being of your business, your workers and your clients. For more details visit our guide on CDM regulations. For expert CDM coordination on your next project, contact ST&L today.