Contractor

Contents

- Who is a contractor under CDM?
- How do I know if I am a principal contractor or contractor on a project?
Do principal contractors and contractors require specific skills to carry out their duties? 

Who is a contractor under CDM?

A contractor is anyone who directly employs or engages construction workers or manages construction work. Contractors include sub-contractors, any individual self-employed worker or business that carries out, manages or controls construction work.

Under CDM there are 2 contractor roles: Principal contractor and contractor 

How do I know if I am a principal contractor or contractor on a project?

A principal contractor is only required when more than one contractor (or sub-contractor) is working on a domestic or commercial project from start to finish. 

On a commerical project with more than one contractor, principal contractors must be appointed - in writing - by the client at the start of the project.  Speak to your client if in any doubt of your role. 

On a domestic project that involves more than one contractor, the client has a duty to appoint a principal contractor.  This is likely to happen after the client has appointed a designer.  Note: If the client does not appoint a principal contractor in writing, the contractor in control of the construction phase will become principal contractor by default.  Speak to your client if in any doubt of your role. 

Do principal contractors and contractors require specific skills to carry out their duties? 

Yes.  Click on the buttons below to learn more about the skills a principal contractor and contractor must have to ensure their duties can be carried out in a way to ensure health and safety, and what their role involves.