The principal contract has a number of responsibilities under the CDM Regulations, these include:

• ensure that a health and safety plan is prepared for the construction work, and that it is kept up to date
• take reasonable steps to ensure co-operation between contractors
• ensure compliance with site rules and take reasonable steps to ensure that only authorised persons are allowed onto site
• display F10 notification form
• provide planning supervisor with information relevant to the health and safety file
• give health and safety instructions to contractors
• may make rules in the health and safety plan. If they are made they should be in writing
• so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure information is provided to contractors
• so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure contractors provide training and information to employees, obtain evidence
• ensure that when arranging for any designer(s) to prepare a design they are competent and have made adequate provision for health and safety
• ensure that when arranging for any contractor(s) to carry out or manage construction work they are competent and have made adequate provision for health and safety
• co-operate with principal contractor
• Ensure that when arranging for any contractors to carry out or manage construction work they are competent and have adequate provision for health and safety
• provide information and training to employees (HSW Act Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations etc.)