Pre-start Briefing

Description

The pre-start briefing with the Health & Safety (H&S) Team is a formal gateway meeting, where the Construction Health & Safety Advisor (CHSA) is notified of the project and provided with the full scope, programme and key risks. This session enables early scrutiny of the proposed works, including design risk management, contractor competence and high-risk activities. It provides an opportunity to challenge assumptions, identify foreseeable hazards and confirm compliance requirements. A key outcome is agreement on the appropriate Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (CDM) Strategy, including clarification of dutyholder responsibilities, notification requirements and assurance agreements. By engaging at this stage, H&S is embedded into project planning from the outset, supporting risk elimination and safe delivery throughout the project lifecycle. 

Engagement

• The Project Manager (PM) is to schedule and online Teams meeting, or face-to-face meeting with CHSA to discuss the above. Depending on the complexity of the project, a site visit with the CHSA may be requested. 
• The Project Manager is to invite CHSA to the subsequent relevant project meetings, such as the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), Technical Review Meeting (TRM) etc. 

Forms & Links 

No official forms required. However, notes after the meeting may be taken and issued. 

Approvals & Compliance Review 

A review of the proposed project will be undertaken by the H&S Team:

• Proposed project will be recorded in the construction monitoring record.
• All relevant documents to manage the CDM compliance will be shared with the Project Manager.
• Project Manager will be advised of statutory appointment of duty holders. 

Repeated Subsequent RIBA Stages

Regular updates provided to the H&S Team as the project progresses through each RIBA Stage.