Easter Egg-cellence in Safety: Were Your Event Upgrades CDM Compliant?

Easter fetes, fairs, and other events are beloved traditions, bringing a touch of joy to schools across the country. However, behind the scenes of the festivities, schools might be unknowingly putting themselves at risk. Recent upgrades done in preparation for these events could be hiding potential breaches of Construction Design & Management (CDM) regulations.

Common Breaches

Painting, minor repairs, and room upgrades create a fresher environment for school events throughout the break. Yet, these seemingly small projects can lead to overlooked CDM breaches, especially if done just before school breaks up and it's still business as usual with the Easter rush.

Schools need to inform contractors about existing facilities, and potential hazards so they can plan their work safely. Schools must also consider the timing of deliveries, designating drop-off areas and outlining clear delivery windows to prevent accidents during busy events. Finally, don't forget the importance of paperwork! Verify contractor documentation like insurance coverage, risk assessments, and method statements before any work begins.

The Scrutiny of the HSE

Let's say one of your schools calls in a decorator before the school fate. If the school failed to mention prohibited delivery times, and there was an accident at 8 am as the kids were being dropped off, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would launch an investigation. If the school hasn't demonstrated compliance with CDM regulations, potential penalties and reputational damage may follow.

Prevention is Key

To avoid a joyous event overshadow by compliance failures, consider these proactive measures:

• Pre-Event Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough walkthrough of planned event spaces, taking note of any changes or potential hazards brought about by recent upgrades.
• Essential Information Pack: Distribute to event organisers and vendors, clearly outlining delivery restrictions, designated drop-off zones, hazardous areas, and emergency contact information.
• Don't Forget the Signs: Prominent signage throughout the event area should direct traffic, indicate restricted areas, and highlight any specific hazards.

The Importance of a Project Management Solution

Juggling event planning alongside complex compliance can be overwhelming. The right project management tool allows a school to self-manage small maintenance jobs whilst ensuring they adhere to regulations. Solutions like Statlog's Project Manager tool are specifically designed with compliance in mind, providing structured workflows, document management, and built-in checklists. 

Ensure your events bring nothing but smiles, not compliance nightmares.