CIOB launches industry-wide survey to review CDM regulations

However, more than a decade on from their introduction, there is growing sentiment that the regulations could be improved, particularly in light of newer legislation such as the Building Safety Act 2022, which has significantly reshaped the regulatory landscape.

The survey will explore several key areas, including levels of formal training, consistency of interpretation, and overall effectiveness of the regulations in improving safety outcomes.

Ben Powell, chair of CIOB’s Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisory Panel, said: “We hear that for many people, including designers, contractors and clients, the current CDM regulations are a constant source of frustration, with varying degrees of understanding over who is responsible for what.

“There are also questions around the effectiveness of the regulations when we still see so many incidents involving falls from height, for example.

“Just over a decade on from their introduction, it’s important to gather quantitative data on how they are being interpreted and applied, and where they could evolve to reflect the construction landscape in 2026.”

Findings from the survey will inform recommendations to the HSE and policymakers on potential reforms to CDM 2015.

The survey is open until 30 April 2026 and can be completed here.