The Cost of Non-Compliance: CDM 2015 Risks from a Design Perspective

How poor design coordination can lead to costly consequences.

Why CDM Compliance Matters

CDM 2015 is a legal framework, not just a best-practice guideline. Failure to meet its requirements during the pre-construction phase can expose clients and duty holders to enforcement action, reputational harm, and unnecessary cost.

At DQS, we help clients navigate their obligations by embedding Principal Designer expertise early, reducing risk and ensuring responsibilities are met.

Design-Related Compliance Failures

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Common examples of non-compliance tied to design include:

- Failure to appoint a Principal Designer early enough
- Lack of coordination between design disciplines
- Poor documentation of foreseeable risks
- Incomplete or inaccurate pre-construction information (PCI)
- Missing or late Health and Safety File handover

These issues can escalate into project delays, disputes, or HSE involvement.

How DQS Helps Reduce Non-Compliance Risk

Our Principal Designer service ensures CDM duties are fulfilled by:

- Supporting timely appointments and PCI collation
- Running coordination meetings across design disciplines
- Developing a clear and complete Health and Safety File
- Maintaining a design risk register throughout the project
- Ensuring CDM documentation is audit-ready and aligned with project goals

Non-compliance can result in:

- HSE Improvement or Prohibition Notices
- Delays in sign-off or handover
- Professional indemnity claims or disputes
- Loss of future work due to reputational damage

CDM compliance isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a commercial necessity.

FAQ

      What happens if a Principal Designer isn't appointed?
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      It’s a legal requirement on projects with more than one contractor. Failure to appoint may result in HSE enforcement.
    
     Can CDM non-compliance delay a project?
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      Yes — particularly where required documentation like PCI or the Health and Safety File is missing.
    
      Are clients liable for design-related risks?
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      Yes — under CDM 2015, clients must make suitable arrangements for managing health and safety throughout the project.
    
      Does DQS help with CDM audits or inspections?
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      Yes — we ensure your records, processes, and documentation are audit-ready and defensible.
    
     Is a Health and Safety File mandatory?
      ⌄
    
Yes — for any project involving more than one contractor, and it must be handed over at project close-out.

Let’s Reduce Risk from the Start

Want peace of mind that your duties under CDM 2015 are being met? Speak to DQS about Principal Designer support that protects your project from risk and non-compliance.

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