Introduction
Understanding UK construction safety regulations is essential for anyone working in the industry. Non-compliance can result in prosecution, significant fines, and—most importantly—serious harm to workers. This guide covers the key regulations you need to know in 2025.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
CDM 2015 is the primary legislation governing health and safety in construction. It applies to all construction projects in Great Britain and places duties on various parties involved in construction work.
Key Duty Holders Under CDM 2015
Clients
Anyone having construction work carried out for them. Clients must:
- Make suitable arrangements for managing the project
- Ensure sufficient time and resources are allocated
- Provide pre-construction information to designers and contractors
- Appoint a principal designer and principal contractor (for projects with more than one contractor)
- Ensure a construction phase plan is in place before work begins
- Ensure adequate welfare facilities are provided
Principal Designers
Must be appointed on projects with more than one contractor. Responsibilities include:
- Planning, managing, and monitoring the pre-construction phase
- Identifying, eliminating, and controlling foreseeable risks
- Ensuring designers comply with their duties
- Preparing and updating the health and safety file
Principal Contractors
Must be appointed on projects with more than one contractor. Responsibilities include:
- Planning, managing, and monitoring the construction phase
- Preparing the construction phase plan
- Organising cooperation between contractors
- Ensuring suitable site inductions are provided
- Taking steps to prevent unauthorised access
- Consulting and engaging with workers
Designers
Anyone who prepares designs for construction work. Must:
- Eliminate foreseeable risks where possible
- Reduce risks that cannot be eliminated
- Provide information about remaining risks
Contractors
Those who carry out or manage construction work. Must:
- Plan, manage, and monitor their own work
- Ensure workers have appropriate skills, knowledge, and training
- Provide appropriate supervision, instructions, and information
- Not begin work unless reasonable steps have been taken to prevent unauthorised access
Workers
Everyone on site has duties to:
- Cooperate with others and follow instructions
- Report anything that poses a danger
- Take care of their own health and safety and that of others
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The overarching legislation that requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees. This includes:
- Safe systems of work
- Safe handling, storage, and transport of materials
- Information, instruction, training, and supervision
- Safe working environment with adequate welfare facilities
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
These regulations require employers to:
- Carry out risk assessments
- Implement preventive and protective measures
- Appoint competent persons to assist with health and safety
- Provide health and safety training
- Cooperate and coordinate with others sharing the workplace
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal accidents in construction. These regulations require:
- Avoiding work at height where possible
- Using work equipment or other measures to prevent falls
- Where risk of fall cannot be eliminated, using equipment to minimise distance and consequences
- Ensuring equipment for work at height is properly inspected and maintained
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
Applies to all lifting equipment and operations. Key requirements:
- Lifting equipment must be strong and stable enough
- Equipment must be positioned and installed to reduce risks
- Lifting operations must be properly planned and supervised
- Lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined at specified intervals
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
Covers exposure to hazardous substances including:
- Chemicals (paints, adhesives, solvents)
- Dust (silica, wood, general construction dust)
- Fumes (welding, cutting)
- Biological agents (contaminated land, sewage)
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
PPE should be a last resort after other controls. When required:
- PPE must be suitable for the risks and work conditions
- Must be properly assessed before use
- Must be maintained and stored properly
- Workers must be trained in its use
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
Certain accidents and incidents must be reported to the HSE:
- Deaths
- Specified injuries (fractures, amputations, loss of sight, etc.)
- Over-7-day incapacitation
- Work-related diseases
- Dangerous occurrences (collapse of scaffolding, crane overturning, etc.)
Key Compliance Documents
Construction Phase Plan
Required before construction work begins. Must include:
- Description of the project
- Management arrangements including communication and cooperation
- Arrangements for controlling significant site risks
- Health and safety file information requirements
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
Required under Management Regulations and expected by principal contractors. Must be:
- Suitable and sufficient
- Site and task-specific
- Communicated to workers
- Reviewed and updated as necessary
Health and Safety File
Contains information needed for future construction work, maintenance, and demolition. Must be kept by the client and updated throughout the project.
HSE Enforcement in 2025
The Health and Safety Executive continues to actively enforce construction regulations. Key focus areas include:
- Work at height compliance
- Silica dust exposure (occupational lung disease)
- Structural stability during construction
- Fire safety during construction
- Mental health and wellbeing
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Courts can impose:
- Unlimited fines for organisations
- Fines and imprisonment for individuals
- Prohibition and improvement notices
- Corporate manslaughter charges in serious cases
Practical Steps for Compliance
- Know your duties: Understand which duty holder role(s) you fill
- Document everything: Maintain records of risk assessments, training, inspections
- Train your team: Ensure everyone has appropriate competence
- Communicate effectively: Share safety information with all involved
- Review regularly: Update documentation when things change
- Learn from incidents: Investigate and implement improvements
Conclusion
UK construction safety regulations are comprehensive but manageable. The key is understanding your responsibilities, maintaining proper documentation, and fostering a genuine safety culture.
Modern tools like AI-powered RAMS generators can help ensure your documentation meets legal requirements while saving time. But technology is no substitute for competent people who understand the regulations and are committed to keeping workers safe.
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance only. For specific legal advice, consult a qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor.