Automated compliance checking for construction health and safety: an exploratory study in the UK

The UK construction industry faces persistent health and safety risks. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) aim to improve outcomes by embedding safety at the design stage, whilst their outcome-based structure and reliance on duty-holder competence make compliance difficult to achieve and demonstrate. Although automated compliance checking (ACC) tools exist in other sectors, none address CDM 2015. This study develops a digital compliance-checking system to verify regulatory compliance in construction projects. Using a Design Science Research approach, the artefact was co-designed with users and stakeholders and evaluated by industry experts. It features initial and duty-holder-specific questions generated through built-in logic based on scenario-specific responses. This work formalises CDM 2015 duties into actionable compliance logic, providing an essential foundation for proactive, project-team-led compliance checking and future ACC development. Expert evaluation described the system as comprehensive and effective, with potential for integration into wider organisational platforms. Recommendations included refining question structures, enhancing visualisation and reporting, and adding mechanisms for action tracking and evidence provision. Overall, this system is functionally suitable and has potential to improve efficiency, consistency, and transparency in compliance practices. This research delivers practical CDM 2015 compliance questions, a novel digital tool for project teams, and insights for future development.