Health and safety is important to everyone nowadays, especially with the burgeoning extent of legislation and regulations in the area both in UK terms but perhaps more importantly within and across the European Community. One of the industries most affected by this is the building and construction sector, which because of its traditionally poor record in this respect and its widespread and under-policed activities is now subject to the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations. These require that every project involving building or demolition work which is undertaken, regardless of the industry concerned and for what purpose, must be planned and documented according to these safety regulations and procedures. Non-compliance can attract heavy penalties, including fines and prison sentences.
In addition, the possibilities of actions like this, and their contingent financial costs, are beginning to determine a whole philosophy to underpin business management. It is therefore vital to understand exactly what legal obligations and duties are inherent in either managing, contracting or carrying out a given piece of work. Lack of knowledge of this nature can prove to be very costly, so this book will show you how to find your way around the maze of rules and regulations in order to improve your business efficiency and reduce exposure to financial risk.

A brief history of health and safety; The overall architecture of health and safety law; HASWA/MHASWA framework; Health and safety management: five steps; Construction industry: current structure; Risk assessment; Construction (Design and Management Regulations (1994)): practical application; The Construction Regulations 1996: practical application; Dealing with health and safety in construction contracts; The cost and price of health and safety; Epilogue; Appendices; Index.