Chapter 3 Responsibilities of key duty holders in construction design and management

Construction often involves a complex set of operations that culminate in the delivery of a product. Several varying human and environmental factors occur throughout the process and these often generate several independent and/or inter-dependent hazards. The process of health and safety risk management will thus need to be innovative and on a par with the life cycle of the project. It is therefore important that all participants are aware of the responsibility thrust upon them individually and acting jointly throughout the entire process.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 place specific duties on key participants on any construction project. This chapter describes the key Duty Holders whilst also giving an overview of their main responsibilities. Some interrelationships of these roles are also examined, with a view to enhancing the effective understanding and implementation of one of the basic requirements of the Regulations – Communication. Construction Design and Management is always evolving and it is essential that Duty Holders update their knowledge, not only on emerging technology and concepts, but also on processes and systems that will enhance effective health and safety management. A case study which presents some emerging innovative techniques for managing health and safety on a typical construction procurement cycle is discussed.