The CDM Regulations place legal duties on virtually everyone involved in construction work. Those with legal duties are commonly known as 'dutyholders'. Dutyholders under CDM 2007 are:

• Clients - A client is anyone having construction or building work carried out as part of their business. This could be an individual, partnership or company.

• CDM Co-ordinators - The CDM Co-ordinator's role is to advise the client on health and safety issues during the design and planning phases of construction work.

• Designers - The term 'designer' has a broad meaning and relates to the function performed, rather than the profession or job title. Designers are those who, as part of their work, prepare design drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and specify items or materials. This could include architects, engineers and quantity surveyors.

• Principal Contractors - A principal contractor must be appointed for projects which last more than 30 days or involve 500 or more person days. The principal contractor has a duty to plan, manage and co-ordinate health and safety while construction work is being undertaken. The principal contractor is usually the main or managing contractor for the work.

• Contractors - A contractor is a business who is involved in construction, alteration, maintenance or demolition work. This could involve building, civil engineering, mechanical, electrical, demolition and maintenance companies, partnerships and the self-employed.

• Workers - A worker is anyone who carries out work during the construction, alteration, maintenance or demolition of a building or structure. A worker could be, for example, a plumber, electrician, scaffolder, painter, decorator, steel erector, as well as those supervising the work, such as foreman and chargehands.

For detailed guidance and further information on each party's duties under CDM
Regulations contact cdm@lee-evans.co.uk