A question for CDM C's Why is it so difficult to explain to small / medium sized contractors that they need to provide welfare facilities on notification projects? I get the excuse that we're only working 3 miles from the depot, the local café is just round the corner, I didn't put in any monies for welfare. What reasons have you had for minimum or no welfare provision and what have you done about it?

It's not a problem exclusive to SMEs. Many PMs from larger organisations also believe it's ok to provide facilities miles from where people are working. There are cost implications with providing decent welfare facilities and everyone is keeping an eye on their budgets. To be fair, the duties are quite onerous and in some situations arguably OTT...but there ya go.

Small site. Last week. "where's the bog?" "portapotty in the back of the van mate, empty it in that hole when you're done and sling something on top of it"