The term 'CDM' relates specifically to the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations, introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. These regulations were
established to help address the poor health and safety record and prevent death, injury and ill-health within the UK's largest and most dangerous industry sector - Construction.

The CDM Regulations are intended to focus attention on health and safety issues
throughout the construction project, from concept stage onwards, to identify and address foreseeable health or safety issues as early as possible.

The Regulations apply in their entirety to all but a few categories of construction work. Broadly only domestic projects undertaken by homeowners and selected minor works of short duration are exempt from the full force of the Regulations.