Compliance glossary
UK construction compliance glossary
Plain-English definitions of UK construction and field-compliance terms: RAMS, CDM 2015, LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, RIDDOR, CSCS, permits to work and more.
CDM 2015 (Construction (Design and Management) Regulations)The CDM Regulations 2015 are the main UK law governing health, safety, and welfare across the planning, design, and delivery of construction projects.Competent PersonA competent person is someone with the training, skills, knowledge, and experience needed to carry out a task or duty safely and correctly.COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)COSHH requires employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances such as dusts, chemicals, and fumes to protect workers' health.CQC EvidenceCQC evidence is the documented proof health and social care providers keep to demonstrate they meet Care Quality Commission standards during inspection.CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)A CSCS card is a UK certification card proving that a construction worker holds the training and qualifications appropriate to their role on site.Friday Pack (Weekly Compliance Evidence Pack)A Friday Pack is a weekly compliance evidence bundle collecting the completed forms, signatures, photos, and checklists from a site into a single PDF.GeofencingGeofencing uses GPS or location data to define a virtual boundary around a site, triggering actions such as check-in when a device enters or leaves.LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)LOLER 1998 requires that lifting equipment is strong, stable, properly used, and thoroughly examined at regular intervals by a competent person.Method StatementA method statement is a document describing, step by step, how a specific work task will be carried out safely and in the correct sequence.Near MissA near miss is an unplanned event that did not cause injury or damage but had the potential to do so under slightly different circumstances.Permit to WorkA permit to work is a formal written authorisation controlling high-risk tasks, specifying the precautions required before work can safely begin.POWRA (Point of Work Risk Assessment)A POWRA is a quick risk assessment done by workers at the point and time of the task to catch hazards not covered by the main assessment.PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)PPE is protective clothing or equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards, used as a last resort after other controls under the PPE at Work Regulations.PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)PUWER 1998 requires that work equipment is suitable, safe, maintained, and used only by people with adequate training and information.RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement)RAMS is a combined document pairing a task risk assessment with a method statement setting out how work will be carried out safely.RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)RIDDOR requires employers to report specified work-related deaths, serious injuries, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the HSE.Risk AssessmentA risk assessment is a systematic examination of a task to identify hazards, decide who might be harmed, and put suitable control measures in place.Safe System of Work (SSOW)A safe system of work is a formal, planned procedure that identifies hazards and sets out the safe method for carrying out a task.SIA Daily Occurrence Book (DOB)A daily occurrence book is a chronological log kept by security staff recording events, incidents, and activity during their shift.Site DiaryA site diary is a daily record of activity on a construction site, capturing progress, labour, deliveries, weather, visitors, and events.Site InductionA site induction is a briefing given to workers and visitors before they start on a site, covering its specific hazards, rules, and arrangements.Site RegisterA site register is a maintained record, such as of personnel, plant, or inspections, used to track and evidence compliance on a construction site.SnaggingSnagging is the process of inspecting completed construction work to identify defects and unfinished items that need to be put right before handover.Toolbox TalkA toolbox talk is a short, informal safety briefing delivered to a work team on site to reinforce awareness of a specific hazard or safe practice.Training MatrixA training matrix is a table mapping workers against required training and qualifications to show who is trained, competent, and due for renewal.Welfare FacilitiesWelfare facilities are the toilets, washing, rest, and changing provisions employers must supply for workers, required on sites under CDM 2015.