Hi,

I feel it very important that a CDMC has a construction background as their opinions/judgement will be based on experience and intimate knowledge of the deign & build process that can be invaluable when putting forward H&S solutions to designers & architects. CDM isn't purely about construction as it covers welfare & processes, i.e. notification, that don't necessarily need that kind of background experience. An impartial eye, i.e. someone without the construction background, may also pick up on what is less obvious.

The Association of Project Safety (APS) [formally Association of Planning Supervisors also APS] is a subscription organisation and provides the lead for Construction Safety that keeps a register of CDMC's & Construction Safety Practitioners (CSP). Entry criteria (now) is based on a mix of design, construction & safety training & experience. This would be a benchmark qualification to ensure you have the right person for the job. The entry for the former Association of Planning Supervisors was less stringent as it is for the re-morphed APS.

Hope this helps & good luck!

NeilBoorman

I feel a trifle uneasy at your statement that the APS provides the lead for construction safety. That is how they might like to see themselves but the reality is nowehre neaar this. They are what they are a subscription grooup for individuals and organisations providing CDMC services whatever other coat they try to claim.

Bob

Too late for Safety girl's interviews but here goes anyway.

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on so many people's different opinions.

A good CDM-C should ask the right questions at the right time to ensure all duty holders have and are continuing to contribute their required information so that the project can go ahead safely and in accordance with CDM Regs. There is more but enough for now.

A good PM is one that can get the work done on time according to the set programme, at the right level of quality and also ensure everyone has a safe workplace.

I disagree about having a construction background, I don't but have learnt construction safety over the past ten years or so.

I even pulled up a CDM-C the other day - newly appointed and replacing a previous CDM-C on the project, he did not realise the F10 should now be amended to include his name as CDM-C on the document.

I suppose I'm a bit misguided here as I didn't really consider myself having a construction background but know quite a bit about CDM and have done the CDM-C role myself.

I now think I should consider my past 12 years or so as a health and safety professional in the construction sector as a construction background.