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Duty holders

Principal Contractors

Principal Contractors have an important role in planning, managing and monitoring work to make sure any – and all – risks are controlled.

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We can advise all duty holders defined in the CDM Regulations 2015.

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Principal Contractor Roles and Responsibilities

What is a Principal Contractor?

Principal contractors and any workers under their control (including sub-contractors) are most at risk of injury and ill health from construction work. Contractors, therefore, have an important role in planning, managing and monitoring work to make sure any – and all – risks are controlled. Principal contractors must:

What are the duties of a Principal Contractor?

Principal contractors must:

Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the construction phase of a project.

Liaise with the client and principal designer, prepare the construction phase plan and organise and manage co-operation between contractors and the individual elements of work they are doing.

Make sure suitable site inductions are provided and that reasonable steps are taken to prevent unauthorised access to the site.

Engage and consult with workers to make sure they have the best chance to stay safe and healthy while at work.

The principal contractor plays a crucial role in collaboration with the client and principal designer, significantly influencing the management of health and safety risks throughout the construction process. This responsibility ensures that standards are not only understood but also adhered to carefully and properly. They should be appointed by the client as early into the project as possible, before the construction phase is due to begin.

  • We can support Principal Contractors with:
    Health and Safety Policies • Fire Safety Policy • Environmental Policy • Quality Policy • Anti-Bribery and Corruption • Anti Slavery • Equality & Diversity • Data Protection • RAMS Templates • RAMS reviews for sites • PC Site Document File – MWP • Full site setup for PC • Site Inspection • Fire Risk Assessment • Fire LogBooks • Pre-Qualification Support • Permit Support • CPP Reviews • Design Risk Assessment • Tender Method Statement • O+M Manual Collation for PC (Our format or supplied Format) • SSIP • S/C Vetting – PQ for Contractors • E-Learning • Manage Training Matrix • Accident and Incident Investigation • Accident and Incident Statistics collection • Attending Meetings • Create custom/bespoke checklists • Create custom inductions • Fire Exit Plan Drawings • Fire Escape Strategy • Write CPP • COSHH Assessments • Vibration Assessments • Noise Assessments • Temporary Works Register • F10 Submission • Organise external training • Network rail forms • Network Rail Station Appointed Person • Lift plan reviews • Logistics plans • Site Welfare Plans • A0 Foamex / DiaBondBoards for site signage • Custom Signage • Support + Vet Client Direct Contractors from abroad • Consultants CV for Pre-Quals • Ad-Hoc Support and Advice • Competent Person – Management regs • Toolbox Talks – Bespoke • Sub-Contractor Weekly H+S Submission (‘Friday Pack’) • Service Avoidance Plans • Tender Interviews
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Get in touch:

Based in Hampshire, we work across the south of England, and often travel outside of this area. If you’re a principal contractor and would like to know more about our CDM advisory and coordination service, please get in touch using the form below.

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