With the regulations now more than three years old, it is the view of those administering the regulations (i.e. HSE), that generally, designers have taken their duties seriously and have been most diligent in identifying the hazards associated with their designs. However, they have been less diligent in taking the issues forward
and amending their designs to avoid the risk ie the first priority in the hierarchy of risk control:
(1) avoid - alter the design;
(2) combat at source - design in, details which reduce the risk ie provide lifting points for items which require lifting;
(3) control the risk - provide protective measures i.e. introduce measures to protect the entire work force. The use of personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort.
CDM Task Group