Contractor and Project Supervisor FAQs

What are the main changes to the Construction Regulations?

• Change to the definition of Construction from previously including "engineering work" to now including "engineering construction work"
• Criteria for appointments of Project Supervisors amended to remove certain smaller works from requiring Project Supervisors
• Reduction of administration burden in areas of record keeping and provision of relevant sections of contractors Safety Statement.
• Change to the definition of a Client
• New responsibilities imposed on homeowners.
• Clients on domestic dwelling projects do not have to supply Health and Safety Plan for tendering
• In the case of clients for domestic type projects there are duties on Project Supervisors, designers and contractors to demonstrate to the clients that they are competent to do the work
• In the case of clients for domestic type projects there are duties on designers and contractors to inform the client of their duties

Change to the definition of Construction from previously including "engineering work" to now including "engineering construction work"

The definition of construction work is now "construction work means the carrying out of any building, civil engineering or engineering construction work.........". This change brings the regulations in line with the definition in the Act and also clarifies that the regulations are not intended to apply to routine plant maintenance, engineering/metal works or steel fabrication operations that take place off site.

Criteria requiring appointments of Project Supervisors amended to remove certain smaller works from requiring Project Supervisors

The new regulations exempt all projects from having supervisors if it is short duration, low risk and you only have one contractor. The old regulations restricted the exemption from appointing to routine maintenance and repair.

Reduction of administration burden in areas of record keeping and provision of relevant sections of contractors Safety Statement

A review of the regulations sought to reduce any unnecessary administration burdens which were imposed by the regulations. This review was done in consultation with industry. One of the main changes is a contractor now only has to supply to the Project Supervisor the relevant sections of the contractor's Safety Statement.

Change to the definition of a Client

The definition of a Client has changed to "client" means a person for whom a project is carried out;". The new regulations do no longer exclude homeowners from the definition. Further information on this particular change is available in our Guide for Homeowners

New responsibilities imposed on homeowners

1. If a homeowner is having construction work done they must engage competent persons e.g. designers and contractors.
2. Where required appoint project supervisors to coordinate the safety aspects of the project for both the design and construction works.
3. To retain the "safety file" to inform subsequent contractors of potential hazards or risks that may have an impact e.g. wiring plans, structural walls etc.
4. Notify HSA of the works where required (AF1)

Clients on domestic dwelling projects do not have to supply Health and Safety Plan for tendering

In the case of clients for domestic type projects there are duties on Project Supervisors, designers and contractors to demonstrate to the clients that they are competent to do the work

In the case of clients for domestic type projects there are duties on designers and contractors to inform the client of their duties under the regulations