Principal Contractor Service
Effective H&S Management of the construction phase
Why Do you Need a Principal Contractor?
A principal contractor is appointed by the client to control the construction phase of any project involving more than one contractor.
They have an important role in managing health and safety risks during the construction phase and must have the skills, knowledge, experience and, where relevant, organisational capability to carry out this work.
Are you in overall charge of any construction work?
If so then you may well be the Principal Contractor and you must be capable of carrying out the role and have the right skills, knowledge, training and experience
What does the Principal Contractor need to do?
The Principal Contractor should ensure that the client is aware of their duties, Principal Designer has been appointed and HSE notified of the project (where necessary)
Then they must plan, manage, monitor and coordinate the construction phase of a project:
- planning: preparing a construction phase plan that ensures the work is carried out without risk to health or safety
- managing: implementing the plan, including facilitating co-operation and co-ordination between contractors
- monitoring: reviewing, revising and refining the plan and checking work is being carried out safely and without risks to health
- securing the site: taking steps to prevent unauthorised access to the site by using fencing and other controls
- providing welfare facilities: making sure that facilities are provided throughout the construction phase
- providing site induction: giving workers, visitors and others information about risks and rules that are relevant to the site work and their work
- liaising on design: discussing with the principal designer any design or change to a design.
Are you working for domestic clients?
When working for a domestic client, the principal contractor will normally take on the client duties as well as their own as principal contractor.
If a domestic client does not appoint a principal contractor, the role must be carried out by the contractor in control of the construction phase.
What can we offer you?
The support you need when you need it
With over 30 years experience in the construction health & safety industry we can offer a tailored solution to all of your CDM requirements.
We are able to assist contractors and principal contractors with their respective duties under CDM, this includes the following;
- Preparation of a construction phase plan
- Assistance with risk assessments/method statement, including preparation of RA&MS or assessing contractors RA&MS
- H&S Inspections
- Audits
- Fire risk assessments
- Fire plans and strategies
- Assistance with managing sub-contractors, i.e. assessing pre-qualification questionnaires
- Accident/incident investigation support
- Tool Box Talks
- H&S Training
- Full day attendance support
The above list is not exhaustive and we would be delighted to discuss any needs you have.