CIOB Launches Industry-Wide Survey to Review CDM Regulations

Why It Matters

Understanding gaps in CDM 2015 compliance can drive safer construction practices and inform regulatory updates, reducing costly accidents and aligning standards with the newer Building Safety Act.

Key Takeaways

• CIOB launches survey to assess CDM 2015 interpretation across industry.
• Survey targets designers, contractors, clients to gauge regulation clarity.
• Findings will shape HSE recommendations and potential CDM reforms.
• Deadline for responses is 30 April 2026.

Pulse Analysis

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 were introduced to embed health and safety into every stage of a building project, from design through to handover. A decade later, industry stakeholders report uneven interpretation and persistent safety incidents, such as falls from height, suggesting that the original framework may no longer align with modern construction practices or the stricter requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022. By revisiting CDM 2015, the sector can address ambiguities that hinder consistent compliance and elevate overall risk management.

CIOB’s Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisory Panel has designed a comprehensive survey to capture frontline experiences. It solicits input from designers, contractors, clients and other project participants on topics ranging from formal training adequacy to the perceived effectiveness of the regulations in preventing accidents. The open‑ended format allows respondents to quantify frustrations and propose practical adjustments, while the deadline of 30 April 2026 ensures timely data collection for policy consideration. Participation rates are expected to be high, given the survey’s relevance to daily operational decisions and the potential for influencing future regulatory guidance.

The data gathered will feed directly into recommendations for the Health and Safety Executive and UK lawmakers, potentially prompting amendments that harmonise CDM 2015 with the Building Safety Act’s heightened focus on high‑rise residential safety. For construction firms, clearer rules could translate into reduced legal exposure, lower insurance premiums and fewer project delays caused by compliance disputes. Ultimately, a refreshed regulatory framework promises a safer work environment, better project outcomes, and a more competitive UK construction sector on the global stage.