The Association of Planning Supervisors has changed its name to the Association of Project Safety because it believes the role of the planning supervisor will be axed as a result of the current review of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations concludes.

“You can hardly have an Association of Planning Supervisors if there are no longer any planning supervisors,” said Brian Law, chief executive of the association.

The role of the planning supervisor was created with the introduction of CDM regulations in 1994. Planning supervisors are supposed to ensure that health and safety are given due consideration at the planning and design stages of a construction project, but they lack any real power, causing many to doubt their effectiveness.

Law says it’s not their fault: “After 10 years of CDM our members still tell us that in 50% of projects they are appointed very late, when the job is almost on site,” he said. “So you cannot say that we are ineffective.”

Founded in 1995, the APS has more than 5000 members. It says it will continue to be at the heart of CDM and health and safety risk management.

Meanwhile, talks continue on the CDM regulations. A consultation document was scheduled for Spring 2004, but the HSE said the consultation process is being done in an informal way, and should produce a consultation document by the end of November.

Source

Construction Manager