Posted By Diane Warne Doesn't the responsibility for the health & safety plan pass to the principal contractor after the design & planning stage? E&OE! (see "is IOSH liable"....)

Posted By peter gotch Alan, quote from HSC Consultative Document CD161 especially (c) 6.9 The planning supervisor does not have a duty, under CDM, to: (a) approve the principal contractor’s construction-phase health and safety plan; (b) supervise the principal contractor’s implementation of the construction-phase health and safety plan; (c) monitor the construction work; (d) vet the competence and resources of designers and contractors, unless specifically requested; (e) approve or check designs; (f) approve the appointment of designers, principal contractors or contractors; or (g) verify information for the health and safety file which is received from others. Serious danger that a PS may cause contractual conflict. Quote from para 8.3.3 of CIRIA Report 173 "CDM Regulations - Practical guidance for planning supervisors" "A planning supervisor must avoid issuing communications that appear to be instructions, as this could lead to uncertainty, disputes and possibly to liability" Many of our PS commissions DO include for monitoring of the ongoing development and/or implementation of the construction phase H&S plan and/or site H&S standards, but these activities need skills (and diplomacy) which many PSs may not have. Of course the PS may find it useful to visit site to assist in ensuring transmission of risk-related information in new design or design changes; also to prompt timeous provision of information for the H&S File. Regards, P

Posted By Alan Harsley I agree with all of the above and that was my interpretation of the Regs. however, I have been involved over the years with projects lasting 1, 2 or more years where the design can change dramatically and the only way to resolve issues is with site meetings. The reason for the question is following a large project, thankfully not my organisation, where, despite major design changes, the PS would not visit the site. I suppose it is the spirit of the Regs. and not a verbatim response from the PS that prompted my interest in others views. Cheers.

Posted By Martyn Hendrie I have read with interest the comments made so far. I agree that the Planning Supervisor has no CDM role in manging or monitoring the construction process. As such he/she should not interfere in the Principal Contractors management of the project. However, the Planning Supervisor does have duties in relation to on going design issues that take place during the construction phase (including temporary works design). The PS also has a duty to ensure the adequacy of the completed health and safety file. I find it difficult to see how he/she can fulfil these duties without a good knowledge of the prevailing site conditions, etc.