Important law for property developers

Quickly find out the basic responsibilities for safe projects in this three minute guide

Anyone who is developing a property which they do not intend to live in has a number of legal responsibilities for health and safety.

Many of these responsibilities are laid out by the government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Pay close attention to them to ensure the wellbeing of your team and to avoid unnecessary costs.

What are the responsibilities?

Get the right people

You are more likely to get what you want if you make sure the designers and builders are competent, and the work is carried out safely.

Give enough time

A rushed project is far more likely to be unsafe, and less time almost always means worse quality.

Keep the team informed

To design and construct something that is safe to build your team needs the right information – especially for hazards such as asbestos.

Communicate and co-operate

To avoid injuries or unexpected costs, make sure everyone involved communicates, co-operates and co-ordinates with each other.

Make suitable management arrangements

Work is more likely to be safe and on-time when you make suitable management arrangements. You must use these throughout the whole project.

Put adequate facilities on site

Before work starts you should make sure that your contractors have provided adequate welfare facilities for construction workers, such as toilets and supply of fresh water.

Make sure workplaces are designed correctly

If your project is for a new workplace or alterations to an existing workplace (eg a factory or office), it must meet the standards set out in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

Be aware of notifiable construction projects

There are a few more responsibilities for work that lasts longer than 30 days or involves more than 500 person days of work:

• Appoint a CDM co-ordinator
• Appoint a principal contractor
• Keep the health and safety file

To find out more detail see the Health and Safety Executive.

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