Outside help

A ‘Competent Person’ scheme, run
by NHBC is said to be growing in
popularity with small and medium
sized builders as a way of
meeting health and safety
regulations and requirements.

Under the Management of
Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999, every
business must provide for
access to health and safety
advice, and appoint a ‘Competent
Person’ to help compliance with
health and safety duties and
legislation – either an employee or an
external consultant.

The scheme was launched this
year to help smaller sized builders, as
this sector was particularly affected
by the economic downturn. Under
the scheme, a home-builder can
appoint NHBC as their
‘Competent Person’ who will
provide them with expert
help to develop their health
and safety policies and
procedures, and with advice
and support. The scheme is
available on a pay-as-you-go
basis to help the cash-flow of smaller
builders.