Contractors prepared for Condam

Contractors across the country have responded well to the imminent introduction of radical safety regulations by preparing in advance for the new laws.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations are introduced on Friday (31 March) and will fundamentally change the way everyone in the industry operates.

In a straw poll of sites across the UK, CJ found a high level of understanding of the new rules and their implications.

The rules require everyone involved in a construction project from beginning to end to put safety as a priority and require the compilation and application of a health and safety plan.

Larger firms are expected to have little difficulty complying. Steve Lauder, project manager on Mowlem's M25 widening project, anticipates no difference after Friday - Mowlem already having a company-wide safety assurance policy.

And Mike Lardner, site manager on Try's œ4 million office development site at 59 Grosvenor Street, London, was typical of site managers when he explained he already has a health and safety plan for the site. Lardner is being sent for further Condam training.

Many other site managers confirmed that they are being given training in the new regulations. Those from smaller firms were particularly keen to be brought up to date with the changes.

'There's a lot to learn - we are all off on safety training,' said one project manager.

The Health and Safety Commission this week issued guidance on the regulations.