How Principal Designers Support Safer Design Outcomes

How early-stage design decisions lead to safer construction outcomes.

Design Is the First Step in Safety

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Many accidents on construction sites can be traced back to decisions made during design. The Principal Designer plays a critical role in identifying and coordinating health and safety considerations before construction begins.

Under CDM 2015, the Principal Designer is responsible for managing health and safety during the pre-construction phase. At DQS, we support clients by embedding safety into the design process, helping prevent risks before they reach site.

Design Risks That Can Be Managed Early

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Principal Designers help reduce or eliminate risks such as:

- Difficult access for working at height
- Unsafe roof layouts or fragile surfaces
- Conflicts between building systems or trade sequences
- Lack of planning for maintenance or future adaptation
- Insufficient spatial planning for temporary works

Identifying these issues early reduces downstream risk and improves buildability.

How DQS Supports Safer Design

Our Principal Designer service includes:

- Risk coordination with the design team
- CDM compliance checks and documentation reviews
- Input on layout and sequencing for safer delivery
- Design risk register development and updates
- Collaboration with the Principal Contractor during planning

Preventable risks don’t just cause harm — they also damage project timelines, increase cost, and reduce confidence. DQS helps clients take a proactive approach to risk, making sure safety is an integral part of the design and delivery process

FAQ

      How do Principal Designers help reduce on-site accidents?
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      By managing health and safety risks during the design phase, Principal Designers help prevent foreseeable hazards before construction begins.
    
      Are Principal Designers responsible for health and safety on site?
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      No — the Principal Contractor manages site safety. The Principal Designer focuses on pre-construction health and safety coordination.
    
      Do all risks have to be removed during design?
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      Not always, but they should be eliminated where reasonably practicable. Residual risks must be documented and communicated.
    
      What tools are used to assess design risks?
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      We use design risk registers, pre-construction information packs, annotated drawings, and coordination workshops.
    
      Who does the Principal Designer report to?
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The Principal Designer is appointed by and works closely with the client, while liaising with designers and the Principal Contractor.

Let’s Design Risk Out From the Start

Want to improve site safety before work begins? Talk to DQS about how our Principal Designer service helps eliminate design-stage risks and support CDM 2015 compliance.

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