Are you ready for 6 April?

From 6 April 2008, several pieces of new legislation could have a significant impact on the construction industry. To ensure compliance, construction companies will need to review their procedures against the new rules and regulations. Our construction experts have analysed the new legislation relating to:

Site waste management plans

These new regulations require a client and principal contractor to comply, update and adhere to a site waste management plan. The plan must address issues of recycling, reducing, recovering and re-using waste. Look at our analysis of the new regulations which explains what is involved and what you have to do to comply.

The legal formalities for the execution of documents and deeds by companies

Further sections of the Companies Act 2006 come into force on 6 April including the provision permitting the execution of a document by the signature of just one director, if that signature is witnessed. Our analysis explains the new execution provision and also provides a reminder of the various methods of validly executing a document, whether by a company or other legal entity.

Corporate manslaughter

The aim of the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 is to make it easier to bring a successful prosecution against a company when corporate failings have led to a death. For the construction industry, where more deaths at work occur than in any other industry, this means a greater risk of prosecution. Our analysis explains the legislation and the implications for the construction industry.

Competency under CDM regulations

The 6 April 2008 also signifies the first day after the end of the transitional period for the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. Our analysis from last month explains what is meant by "competency" and sets out the steps you should take to ensure you are complying with the regulations.