Do I have to have someone in the organisation who is an expert in Health and Safety?

No, however it is preferable to have someone competent within the organisation as they will know more about what goes on in your business and what the real risks are.

If you don’t have someone who is competent with regards to the requirements of health and safety in the workplace then you must have access to a named competent health and safety advisor outside your organisation.

Why do I need all this Health and Safety anyway?

As an employer you have a Common Law Duty of Care to your employees. As well as this there is also a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of all your employees and those who may be affected by your undertakings.

Failure in these obligations could lead to large fines and/or imprisonment

I am only a small business, will it be expensive ?

No, it will not be expensive, unlike some of our competitors we charge a small retainer fee and then charge for what work you request us to carry out for you.
We will train you to manage your own Health and Safety so the cost will reduce in the future.
Whilst there is some cost, think of the cost of an accident to your business. The Health and Safety Executive calculator for such uninsured costs can be seen on their website but is typically £17000 to £19000 for a major injury.

Do I require a CDM Co-ordinator for a domestic project ?

No, not if you are an individual who is planning to live in the property. If you are a company, trust or collective of any nature and where the project is going to be rented or leased for financial gain, then yes you do.