CDM Scope and Application

What is Construction Work?

Posted on by Ian Harris
A construction worker contemplating - what is construction work?
03
Mar

When it comes to construction projects in the UK, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) play a crucial role in ensuring health and safety. But what sort of projects actually fall under these regulations? It’s a question that often arises, and understanding the definition of “construction work” is key.

Defining “Construction Work”

The CDM 2015 regulations are designed to cover a broad spectrum of activities. According to the legislation, “construction work” encompasses a wide range of tasks related to building, civil engineering, and engineering construction. Let’s break down the key elements:

Building, Civil Engineering, and Engineering Construction

This fundamental aspect means that CDM 2015 applies to projects ranging from small residential renovations to large-scale infrastructure developments.

The regulations further clarify the CDM scope by listing specific activities:

  • Construction, Alteration, and Beyond: This includes everything from building new structures to modifying existing ones. It covers conversions, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, repair, upkeep, redecoration, and even specialized cleaning involving high-pressure water, abrasives, or corrosive/toxic substances. Decommissioning, demolition, and dismantling are also included.
  • Preparation and Site Work: The CDM scope extends to preparatory work, such as site clearance, exploration, investigation (excluding site surveys), and excavation (excluding pre-construction archaeological investigations). It also includes the preparation of a site or structure for use or occupation.
  • Prefabricated Elements: Assembling or disassembling prefabricated elements on site to form or dismantle a structure is definitively construction work.
  • Removal and Waste: The removal of structures, demolition/dismantling waste, and waste from disassembled prefabricated elements is classed as construction work.
  • Installation and Maintenance of Services: The installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair, or removal of fixed mechanical, electrical, gas, compressed air, hydraulic, telecommunications, computer, or similar services within or attached to a structure are also covered.

What This Means in Practice

This comprehensive definition means that the CDM regulations are far-reaching. It’s not just about building houses; it’s about demolition, refurbs, fit-outs, civil engineering and much more.

Key Takeaways for Businesses and Individuals:

  • If your project involves any of the activities listed above, it’s highly likely that CDM 2015 applies.
  • The size, value and duration of your project doesn’t matter – the regulations still apply to even the smallest works.
  • Understanding the type of project you are working on is essential for fulfilling your legal duties and ensuring health and safety on site.
  • Even seemingly minor tasks, such as certain types of cleaning or maintenance, can fall under the regulations.

Why is understanding “what construction work is” important?

Knowing whether or not your project falls under the CDM regulations is crucial for compliance. Failing to adhere to relevant legislation can result in serious consequences, including fines and legal action. More importantly, it can put workers at risk.

By understanding the breadth of “construction work” as defined in the regulations, you can ensure that your projects are carried out safely and legally.

Ian Harris

MEng, CertIOSH. Health and Safety Consultant and Director at CTC South West Limited for 20 years. Click here to find out more.