Managing Design Risk Under CDM 2015

How Principal Designers help make safety part of the design process.

Why Design Risk Needs Managing

Many construction-phase risks can be traced back to early design decisions. Managing those risks under CDM 2015 is the Principal Designer’s core responsibility during pre-construction.

At DQS, we support clients by coordinating design decisions that reduce risk and improve safety outcomes for workers, building users, and future maintenance teams.

Common Design-Related Risks

construction-professionals-reviewing-drawings-hardhats-glass-room

We help identify and manage design-stage risks such as:

- Falls from height due to roof access issues
- Clashes between M&E and structure
- Inaccessible maintenance points
- Unsafe working spaces during installation
- Material choices that increase hazard exposure

By addressing these early, we help reduce reliance on late-stage mitigation measures.

How DQS Helps Manage Design Risk

Our Principal Designer service includes:

- Running risk workshops with the design team
- Developing and updating a design risk register
- Reviewing changes for new or increased risks
- Helping document risk decisions and rationale
- Coordinating communication of risks to the Principal Contractor

Clear design risk management reduces on-site incidents, improves buildability, and demonstrates compliance with CDM 2015. It also improves project quality and stakeholder trust.

FAQ

      What is a design risk register?
      ⌄
    
      A design risk register is a live document used to track health and safety risks identified during the design phase, including decisions made to reduce or control them.
    
     Does the Principal Designer eliminate all risks?
      ⌄
    
      No — they aim to eliminate foreseeable risks where reasonably practicable, and ensure remaining risks are well understood and managed.
    
      Who is responsible for risk during construction?
      ⌄
    
      The Principal Contractor manages risk on site. The Principal Designer handles design-phase risk coordination.
    
      What’s the benefit of managing design risk early?
      ⌄
    
      It reduces reliance on costly workarounds, protects workers and users, and supports compliance under CDM 2015.
    
      Is risk management part of the Health and Safety File?
      ⌄
    
Yes — significant residual risks should be recorded in the Health and Safety File for future reference and maintenance planning.

Let’s Take the Risk Out of the Unknown

Want to manage risk proactively at design stage? Get in touch with DQS to learn how our Principal Designer service supports risk reduction from day one.

Related Reads: