CDM NotificationsWhat Contractors Need to Know
Formal notifications to HSE required before starting notifiable construction projects under the CDM Regulations 2015.
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If you manage subcontractors in these trades, you need to track this document for each of them.
What Are CDM Notifications?
A CDM notification is a formal notice submitted to the Health and Safety Executive before work begins on a notifiable construction project. Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, a project is notifiable if it will last longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers on site at any one time, or exceeds 500 person-days of construction work. The notification includes project details, client information, principal designer and principal contractor details, and the planned start and duration of work. It must be submitted as soon as practicable before the construction phase begins.
Why CDM Notifications Matter
Failing to submit a CDM notification for a notifiable project is a criminal offence. HSE uses notifications to plan inspections and target enforcement activity — a project that should have been notified but was not immediately raises red flags. Beyond legal compliance, the notification process forces clients and principal contractors to think through the project structure, appointments, and safety arrangements before work starts. It is a key governance checkpoint.
This guide is for informational purposes only. ContractorVault does not provide compliance advice, certify documents, or approve compliance status. Always consult a qualified professional for specific regulatory requirements.
What You Need to Know
Review Frequency
Once per project, before construction starts. Update if details change significantly
Related Documents
Free compliance checklist — covers CDM Notifications and every other document
Most UK contractors track subcontractor compliance in spreadsheets with gaps. This checklist covers every document you should be collecting, organised by category, so nothing slips through.
- Insurance certificates — ELI, PLI, and what cover amounts to check
- CSCS cards — which card for which role, and expiry tracking
- RAMS and method statements — what to collect and how to version them
- SSIP accreditations — CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor and more
- Training certificates — SMSTS, first aid, asbestos awareness with renewal periods
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Frequently Asked Questions — CDM Notifications
When exactly does a construction project need to be notified to HSE?
A project must be notified if it will last more than 30 working days and have more than 20 workers on site simultaneously at any point, or if it will exceed 500 person-days of construction work in total. Both thresholds include all workers from all contractors on the project.
Who is responsible for submitting the CDM notification?
The client is ultimately responsible for ensuring the CDM notification is submitted to HSE. In practice, clients often delegate this task to the principal designer or principal contractor, but the legal duty remains with the client.
What information is included in a CDM notification?
The notification includes the project address, client details, principal designer and principal contractor details, the planned start date and expected duration, a brief description of the project, and the estimated maximum number of workers on site at any one time. HSE provides an online form (F10) for submissions.
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