Pro Installer May 2015 - Issue 26 | Page 5

5 PRO INSTALLER MAY 2015 PRO NEWS @proinstaller1 New legislation to protect workers The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) came into force on 6th April 2015 and has implications for all construction, maintenance and repair work. Previously, the majority of CDM requirements were only relevant for larger projects which were notifiable to the HSE. The full scope of the new regulations are now relevant for all defined construction work including small main- tenance tasks and work on domestic property. Notification criteria has altered slightly and is applicable to qualifying domestic work for the first time. Clients responsibilities have been enhanced: They have overall responsibility for safety, ensuring those Louise Hosking GLASS CLEANER CAT NO. EB1701 FROM ONLY £2 .34 they appoint have the right skills, knowledge and experience to do the job, and fulfil their duties. Client duties are passed to the principal contractor on domestic projects, but homeowners can be held accountable if they make a neglectful decision which leads to a serious failing. Pre-construction (or site hazard) information must be collated before work starts. Also, a Construction Phase Plan must be created before any construction work is undertaken, and if there is more than one contractor a Health & Safety file developed by the principal designer must be handed to the client on completion. If they finish their work before the end of the job, which is very possible on someone’s home, this becomes the principal contractors duty. This contains information of what was installed, by whom and how. It’s the smaller jobs where most people are injured or seriously hurt, not, as you might expect, larger con- ACETIC CURE SILICONE SEALANT CAT NO. EU33SC (CLEAR) CAT NO. EU33SW (WHITE) CAT NO. EU33SBL (BLACK) struction sites where there are more resources and greater supervision of workers. The construction industry has the largest number of occupational cancer cases with 3500 deaths and 5500 new cancer registrations each year. The aim of the new legislation is to make everyone think before a spade is put into the ground, a wall is brought down, a new basement propped, or a surface of unknown construction drilled. The HSE commissioned research at the end of 2014 which asked homeowners how they choose their contractors, and very few mentioned safety unless they had children in the house. This may have to change in the future if, having completed a new bathroom, conservatory or extension, the purchaser requests a Health & Safety file which has never been created, and results in potential delays or complications with the sale. Gesture of Kindness The VEKA UK Group has named the Encephalitis Society as its nominated charity for 2015, announcing a series of events that will take place over the course of the year to raise funds for the support and research organisation. Gabriela Hammond, Head of Human Resources at The VEKA UK Group commented: “This is a cause that’s close to our hearts and, as such, The VEKA UK Group is dedicating a full year’s support to the society as opposed to the normal six-months. “Fundraising got off to a flying start in January, with many staff members staying ‘dry’ for the month in return for sponsorship money! March’s Network VEKA AGM saw members donate over £700 to use £1 CAT NO. SDCD38BA .48 AN AMAZING £13.00 MINIMUM ORDER 12 ORDER QUANTITY 12 LENGTHS. 1 LENGTH ONLY £14.60 RAZOR BLADES CAT NO. 51S CAT NO. EG310 www.vekauk.com U-CHANNEL FROM ONLY MINIMUM ORDER 12 EVERGRIP MIRROR ADHESIVE the ‘70s-themed props, supplied for the evening’s entertainment – an amazingly generous contribution to make in just one day. “If you’d like to keep up with The VEKA UK Group’s fundraising activities, news is regularly posted on both its website and social media accounts. There is a lot more planned that we’re welcoming customers and suppliers to get involved with too. “There are charity runs, sponsored bike rides and the annual VEKA golf day to look forward to. And, for those who enjoy their sport more from the comfort of an armchair, the Euro football sweepstake always proves a popular money-spinner.” Gabriela adds. FROM ONLY £2.21 FROM ONLY ORDER QUANTITY 60 For information call FREE on 00 800 0421 6144 £2.90 FOR A PACK OF 100 | [email protected] | crlaurence.co.uk