Why Understanding CDM 2015 Duties are Critical as Construction Remains the UK’s Deadliest Industry
- Mark Ardron
- Sep 17
- 3 min read

The construction industry has made huge strides in improving safety standards, but it remains one of the most dangerous sectors to work in. Recent data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights both progress and ongoing challenges—underscoring the importance of clear responsibilities and strong safety management from the very start of every project.
At the heart of this is the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), which set out clear legal duties for those involved in construction projects. Yet confusion about these roles remains common, often putting clients and contractors at unnecessary risk.
Understanding Duty Holder Responsibilities Under CDM 2015
Under CDM 2015, certain people—known as duty holders—are legally responsible for making sure projects are planned, managed, and carried out safely. These include the client, designers, and contractors, with additional duties for a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor on projects involving multiple trades.
One of the biggest issues we see is that if these appointments are not formally made, the responsibilities automatically fall to the client. This can leave individuals or organisations with little construction experience suddenly responsible for major health and safety obligations.
Failing to understand and assign these duties correctly can lead to unsafe working conditions, legal liability, and serious reputational damage. By ensuring the right people are appointed, safety can be managed effectively throughout every stage of a project.
At Armadillo Safety Solutions, we regularly act as Principal Designer, support contractors with compliance, and guide clients through their responsibilities—helping projects run safely, smoothly, and in full compliance with the law.
Construction Still Leads in Workplace Fatalities
Despite progress, construction continues to top the list of workplace fatalities. HSE figures show that between April 2024 and March 2025, there were 124 workplace deaths across all industries, with 35 in construction alone—making it the deadliest sector by far.
The most common cause was falls from height, accounting for over a quarter of all deaths.
While these numbers are sobering, there is positive news: the 35 fatalities mark a significant improvement from 51 the previous year, the lowest number reported since 2021/22. Provisional data through December 2024 showed 19 deaths, putting the industry on track for one of its safest years if the trend had continued.
But statistics don’t erase the reality of individual tragedies. In one Glasgow case, a 10-year-old boy died after falling into an open manhole on a construction site. The investigation found that failures in hazard communication and poor site security during contractor handover played a key role. This incident demonstrates just how devastating even small lapses in safety management can be.
Stricter Oversight and Reforms
In the wake of Grenfell, the government is driving reforms to strengthen accountability. Plans are underway to license principal contractors on high-risk projects and to investigate firms involved in the 2016 refurbishment. A new super-regulator for construction is also in development, designed to provide stricter oversight and reduce the chance of future disasters.
These changes highlight a shift toward greater accountability across the sector, placing more pressure than ever on duty holders to meet their obligations under CDM 2015.
How Armadillo Can Help
At Armadillo Safety Solutions, our role is to give you confidence that your projects are safe, compliant, and well managed. We can support you by:
Acting as Principal Designer or advising on Principal Contractor responsibilities.
Carrying out CDM audits and site inspections to identify gaps and keep safety on track.
Providing support visits to ensure duty holders are meeting their legal obligations.
Delivering practical health and safety training, including working at height, fire safety, and contractor management.
By embedding clear responsibilities and robust safety practices, we help you reduce risk, protect workers and the public, and stay fully compliant with changing regulations.
👉 If you’d like to discuss how Armadillo can support your next project, get in touch with our team today.
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