Principal contractor duty
The duties of the organisation appointed as principal contractor under CDM 2015 to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety during the construction phase of a project.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“principal contractor duty”Exact equivalentRegulation 13 of CDM 2015 (SI 2015/51) sets out the duties of the principal contractor during the construction phase. These include: drawing up and implementing the construction phase plan; managing cooperation and coordination among contractors; establishing site rules; providing suitable welfare facilities; notifying the project to HSE; and liaising with the principal designer.
Irish HSA
“project supervisor for the construction stage”Close equivalentThe Construction Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/291) require the appointment of a project supervisor for the construction stage (PSCS), who has duties equivalent to those of the GB principal contractor. The PSCS coordinates health and safety during construction, prepares and updates the safety and health plan, and ensures the preparation of the safety file.
US OSHA
“principal contractor duty”No equivalentNo equivalent in this jurisdiction.
Practitioner note: Engaged where more than one contractor is involved. Coordination between trades, not just the principal contractor's own work, is the substance of the duty.