Design website provides practical support

During that time, the HSE has put considerable energy into ensuring that construction contractors comply with the legislation and improve their safety performance.

However, the focus has recently shifted from contractor to designer, in recognition of the fact that many hazards can be designed out at source, or mitigated by competent design. Recent audits have demonstrated a poor level of understanding of the CDM regulations among designers and design organisations, who do not fully appreciate the impact bad design or poor buildability can have on the safe construction, long term use and dismantling of assets.

In response to this challenge, and the desire to demonstrate a proactive approach to the HSE, the Design Network Group was born from an existing group of "Alliance contractors" and design organisations. This group had two main aims; firstly, to share design best practice among its member contractors and the wider industry, and secondly to review the way we assess designer competence.

From this basis, the Design Best Practice website www.dbp.org.uk was launched early in 2005, making effective sharing of best practice principles a reality.

The potential long-term benefits of this network group are many. Besides being able to demonstrate to its clients and the HSE that the alliance companies are taking their CDM responsibilities seriously, they also include demonstrably delivered benefits in terms of time, cost and quality, as well as safety. In addition to this, there has been improved understanding of designer competence issues, leading to improved recruitment, auditing and training practices and the ability to demonstrate to clients that continuous improvement, design innovation and learning is actively supported.

How the Design

Network operates

The Design Network is made up of the lead design engineers and managers of an alliance group of contractors who have a recent history of working closely with a large blue chip client organisation. It meets four times a year.

The network members have a responsibility to contribute to the design network and also ensure that they communicate the data received from it to the designers in their own organisation. A review panel sits four times a year to assess the value of the received design examples which can be submitted via the website, though there is a strict control of any commercial advertising.

The site is also linked to the HSE, SID and European Agency for Safety and Health at Work websites.

Almost two years on from its first meeting, the group can be justly proud of its lively new website, which holds over a hundred examples of design good practice, is already becoming a regular tool of its designer organisations and is supported fully by the HSE.

David Thomas, principal specialist inspector within HSE's Construction Division Technology Unit said, "HSE welcomes the numerous examples of good and best practice compiled by Design Best Practice. They provide practical guidance on the designer's duty to identify and eliminate hazards, adapt their design to reduce the risk from residual hazards and provide clear and concise information. Designers need to understand how their structure can be constructed, cleaned and maintained safely. We encourage all to contribute and share their experiences."

The message of the site is clear: if you can design it out, share it.