I once asked a group of Architects I was presenting a CDM course to;

"on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your understanding of the CDM regs"?

Since last year Site Waste Management Plans have been introduced for those projects over £300k in construction value. The aim being to monitor and the waste generated by Construction site activites. Ensuring that where possible waste is recycled and disposed of correctly.

Having been visiting sites for a number of years I've yet to meet a Contractor who fully understands the SWMP and what its intention is. On top of that Clients and Design Team members seem to know little about these plans either.

They would prove to be an extremely useful tool if used effectively and as yet I'm not aware of any formal training on this item.

The SWMP is merely viewed as an additional piece of paperwork generated by the health and safety / environmental culture. With Sustainability becoming even more important in construction this document should be viewed as an important part of sustainable construction and development.

Ensuring a SWMP is in place prior to the project commencing is essential, this is often not the case, also that its been developed and maintained by a competent person is also vitally important. On one project it fell on the CDM Coordinator to check the SWMP which is not the idea.

The Considerate Contractors Scheme is doing its part in promoting waste management on site but Contractors are seldomly checked against these standards and it seems that Clients now may have to check as its their resposnibility to ensure one is place.

It's worthwhile as CDM coordinator reading up on SWMP, if not to gain a few brownie points with your clients. You'll then be in a position to advise them on the course of action they need to take.
Most said 5 but a number said 1 to 2, I knew this would be the general consensus, however it was still strange hearing a well respected Architectural practice admitting their complete lack of understanding.

Is this a worrying scenario? well in short yes, the success of the CDM regs isn't wholly dependant on the competency of the CDM Coordinator to "get the message across", it's success will be the result of industry understanding and recognition. There are many anomolies in life, particualrly in the appliction of law or regulation. However CDM has been an enigma for far too long. Complaints I often hear;

- "we never see the CDM Coordinator on the job"

- "what does a CDM coordinator actually do"?

- " surely the CDM regs are about improving health and safety on sites"

-"the CDMC gets involved at the start and finish of a project"

These are all common complaints developed over time and have been pretty consistent since 1994, I honestly thought the new regs would give the CDMC some status on projects. it would put an end to the endless reems of paperwork produced,it would help Clients and Designers alike to better understand the CDM regs. However unfortunately none of this seems to of happened.

I honestly fear for the CDM coordinator for over 10 years.

role itself if things dont change, it'll always be viewed as a tick in the box for Clients who will never pay the fee that a good CDM coordinator for over 10 years.

warrants. It seems like Health and Safety in general, until something goes wrong nobody ever seems to appreciate health and safety for over 10 years.

.

On the bright side the Chartered status of IOSH has certainly added credibility to the industry, even though I still find myself explaining it is a Chartered Institute.