The legal basis: Why a construction coordinator is mandatory
The Construction Site Regulation (BaustellV) implements the European Directive 92/57/EWG into German law and is the legal foundation for the deployment of a coordinator. The regulation applies as soon as employees from more than one company are working on a construction site simultaneously or sequentially. In this case, the client is legally obliged to appoint a suitable coordinator. The goal is to significantly improve safety and health protection through overarching planning and coordination of the various tasks. The responsibility for the appointment always lies with the client, even if this task is delegated to a third party, like a project manager. Ignoring this obligation can lead to hefty fines and civil liability claims in the event of accidents, which can quickly reach five-figure sums. This legal requirement forms the basis for structured and safe project management in construction.
Tasks in the planning phase: Laying the foundation for safety
The work of the construction coordinator begins long before the first shovel hit the ground. Even in the planning phase (performance phases 1-4 according to HOAI), the foundations for a safe process must be laid. One of the central tasks is the creation of the safety and health protection plan, abbreviated as SiGe-Plan. This plan identifies potential mutual hazards of the various trades and establishes the necessary safety measures. For example, it is coordinated that scaffolding work is completed before roofers begin their work at 30 meters height. Additionally, the coordinator compiles the ‘foundation for future work’, containing safety-relevant notes for upcoming maintenance or renovation tasks. Early involvement of the coordinator reduces planning errors by up to 15%. This forward-looking planning is crucial for a successful construction project management and prevents costly rework.
Tasks in the execution phase: Active management on site
During the construction execution, the role of the coordinator shifts from planner to active manager on site. He is responsible for ensuring that the SiGe-Plan is understood and implemented by all involved companies. For this purpose, he conducts regular site visits, often at least 1-2 times a week, documenting progress and any deficiencies. He organizes the collaboration of the trades to avoid dangerous overlaps. A typical example is the coordination of welding work, ensuring that it does not take place simultaneously with the use of flammable materials by painters. The coordinator adjusts the SiGe-Plan in case of unforeseen changes in the construction process and ensures seamless documentation. This coordination can reduce accident-related downtimes by over 20%. An efficient construction coordination software is an essential tool in this regard.
Distinction from the construction manager: Who does what?
In practice, the roles of construction coordinator and construction manager are often confused, although their tasks are clearly separated. The construction manager, appointed according to the respective state building regulations, is responsible for the proper, timely, and defect-free execution of the construction project. He oversees the quality of work and compliance with the building plans. The construction coordinator (or SiGeKo) focuses exclusively on the requirements of the construction site regulation, that is, on safety and health protection. While the construction manager represents the interests of the construction company or the client regarding the construction outcome, the coordinator acts as a neutral instance for the safety of all. Although one person can take on both roles, this requires dual qualifications and a clear separation of responsibilities. This clear division of roles is a core aspect of functioning construction supervision tasks.
Qualifications and requirements: Who can be a construction coordinator?
Not everyone can call themselves a construction coordinator. The rules for occupational safety on construction sites (RAB 30) define clear requirements for suitability. A coordinator must demonstrate three core competencies:
- Technical construction knowledge: A completed training as an architect, engineer, technician, or master craftsman, as well as at least two years of professional experience in planning or execution.
- Occupational safety knowledge: In-depth knowledge of occupational safety laws, risk assessments, and specific accident hazards in construction.
- Specific coordinator knowledge: The ability to organize complex processes and control protective measures across various trades.
These competencies are usually acquired through a recognized course with examination. Choosing a qualified coordinator is one of the most important decisions for the client, to fulfill their legal responsibility and ensure safety on the construction site. The right tools for construction managers can also support the coordinator.
Digital tools as efficiency boosters for the construction coordinator
The tasks of the construction coordinator are information-intensive: reviewing plans, documenting site visits, making agreements, and recording everything legally secure. Digital solutions like Valoon come into play here, reducing effort by up to 40%. Instead of relying on unstructured WhatsApp groups or paper notes, a central platform enables direct communication. A deficiency is photographed with a smartphone, described via voice input, and immediately assigned to the correct trade – including automatic translation for international teams. This turns an observation into a legally secure task in 30 seconds. The coordinator can digitally store the SiGe-Plan, and all involved parties have access to the current version at any time. This seamless documentation is crucial in liability matters and helps to optimize the construction process.
Your advantage with Valoon: Simple, legally secure, and efficient
A professional construction coordinator is essential for safety and smooth processes on your construction site. However, even the best coordinator is only as good as their tools. Valoon bridges the gap between the construction site and the office, making coordination as easy as sending a message. Through automatic, legally secure documentation of all processes directly from a WhatsApp-like chat, you reduce administrative effort by hours. You ensure that all safety instructions and plan changes reach every worker on the construction site in their language. The result is more than just fulfilled obligations: It is lived safety, real time savings, and a clear competitive advantage. Ensure seamless collaboration with an effective collaboration tool for construction. Book your free demo now and experience how easy digital construction coordination can be.
More Links
Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAUA) provides comprehensive information on the construction site regulation.
Laws on the Internet provides the complete text of the construction site regulation (BaustellV).
Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) informs about the construction site regulation and relevant legislative initiatives.
BG Bau provides information on amendments to the construction site regulation.
Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAUA) answers frequently asked questions about the construction site regulation.
Trade Supervision Bremen provides information for clients regarding the construction site regulation as a PDF document.
Chamber of Architects Baden-Württemberg (AKBW) hosts a brochure from the BMAS on the construction site regulation.
FAQ
When exactly must a construction coordinator be appointed?
A construction coordinator must be appointed as soon as employees from several employers (e.g., masons and electricians from different companies) are working simultaneously or sequentially on the same construction site. The size of the construction project does not initially matter.
Can the architect also be the construction coordinator?
Yes, an architect or construction manager can take on the tasks of the construction coordinator. However, they must demonstrate the additional qualification as a Safety and Health Protection Coordinator required by RAB 30.
What happens if no construction coordinator is appointed?
If the client does not appoint a coordinator despite the obligation, this constitutes an administrative offense that can be punishable by fines. In the event of an accident, the client also faces considerable civil and criminal law consequences.
How does Valoon support a construction coordinator?
Valoon simplifies the work of the construction coordinator through a centralized communication platform. Instructions, deficiency reports, and plan changes can be easily shared via chat and automatically documented in a legally secure manner. Features like live translation help overcome language barriers and increase safety for everyone.
What is a SiGe-Plan?
The SiGe-Plan (safety and health protection plan) is the central document of the construction coordinator. It identifies potential hazards arising from the interaction of various trades and establishes concrete protective measures and behavioral rules for the construction site.
Who is liable in case of an accident on the construction site?
As a rule, the client bears overall responsibility. By appointing a qualified construction coordinator, they can delegate part of their responsibility in the area of safety and health protection. The coordinator is then liable within the scope of their tasks, but this does not fully exempt the client from their supervisory duties.
