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Part of our CDM 2015 series. See CDM Regulations 2015 explained for every duty holder and key document in one place.
CDM 2015 recognises that the people doing the work are often the first to spot a problem. Workers have duties of their own, and they also have rights that other duty holders must meet.
What workers must do
| Duty | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others affected by what you do | Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 7 |
| Cooperate with your employer and others on health and safety | Section 7 of the Act and CDM 2015 regulation 8 |
| Report anything you are aware of that is likely to endanger yourself or others | CDM 2015 regulation 8 |
| Use equipment and safety devices in line with your training and instructions | Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 14 |
| Tell your employer about serious danger and shortcomings in protection arrangements | Management Regulations 1999, regulation 14 |
| Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety | Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 8 |
| Only carry out work you have the skills, knowledge, training and experience for | CDM 2015 regulation 8 |
What workers are entitled to
- A suitable site induction before starting work
- Information on the risks on site and how they are controlled, in a form you can understand
- Appropriate supervision and instruction
- Training when you start, and when risks or equipment change
- Welfare facilities: toilets, washing, drinking water, rest and changing areas
- To be consulted and engaged on health and safety, through the principal contractor’s arrangements
- Suitable personal protective equipment, provided free of charge where it is needed
What reporting looks like on site
Reporting is not about blame. It means telling your supervisor straight away about things like a missing guard rail, a damaged ladder, an unprotected excavation or a near miss. Good sites make reporting easy and act on what they hear. Our guide to scaffold tags covers one of the most common checks workers make, and serious incidents may also need reporting under RIDDOR.
Stopping unsafe work
If you face serious and imminent danger, you are entitled to stop work and move to a place of safety. Tell your supervisor as soon as you can. The Management Regulations require employers to set up procedures for serious and imminent danger, and workers should know what they are.
Training that helps
For operatives, the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course covers site safety basics and supports a CSCS card application. Our CDM awareness eLearning explains how the duty holders fit together. Workers moving into supervision usually take SSSTS.
Where this fits in SMSTS and SSSTS
Consulting and engaging with workers is a key supervisor skill on both courses. Our free SMSTS mock test and SSSTS mock test let you check your knowledge before the course or a refresher, and you can email yourself the results sheet at the end.
When you are ready, the five day SMSTS course is for site managers and the two day SSSTS course is for supervisors. If your certificate is due, the SMSTS refresher and SSSTS refresher keep it current.
Frequently asked questions
Do workers have duties under CDM 2015?
Yes. Workers must cooperate, report anything likely to endanger anyone and only do work they are competent for, alongside their wider duties under health and safety law.
Who must give workers a site induction?
The principal contractor, or the contractor on a single contractor project.
Can a worker refuse unsafe work?
Workers facing serious and imminent danger are entitled to stop work and move to safety. They should report the danger straight away.
Do workers have to pay for PPE?
No. Where PPE is needed, the employer must provide it free of charge.
Read the source
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulations 8, 13, 14 and 15; the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, sections 7, 8 and 9; the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulations 8 and 14; the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992; and HSE guidance L153. Facts checked on 6 October 2026.
Upcoming CITB Site Safety dates
Straight from the booking system, so this block is never out of date.
Prices exclude VAT. Dates and places update automatically.
