The construction phase plan is a key document required by CDM 2015 for every construction project. It sets out how health and safety will be managed during the construction phase, including the project description, management arrangements, site rules, specific hazards, and control measures. The plan must be in place before construction work begins. Every worker on site should understand that this plan exists, that it governs how safety is managed on the project, and that the site rules they follow are derived from it.
Key Hazards
Work starting before adequate health and safety planning is completed
Site rules not being communicated to the workforce from the construction phase plan
High-risk activities proceeding without the specific controls identified in the plan
Changes in work scope or method not reflected in an updated construction phase plan
Control Measures
Ensure a construction phase plan is in place before any construction work begins on the project.
Include the specific arrangements for managing the principal risks identified for the project.
Communicate the site rules from the plan to all workers during site induction and toolbox talks.
Update the plan whenever the scope of work, programme, or site conditions change significantly.
Ensure the plan addresses all high-risk activities including work at height, excavations, and lifting.
Make the plan available on site for reference by all contractors and the workforce.
Include the arrangements for welfare, emergency procedures, and the management of subcontractors.
Review the plan at regular intervals and after any significant incident or near miss on the project.
Ensure all contractors receive the relevant parts of the plan that apply to their work activities.
Remember
The construction phase plan must be in place before any construction work begins on site.
The plan governs how health and safety is managed across the entire project for all contractors.
Site rules, emergency procedures, and high-risk activity controls are all derived from this plan.
The plan must be updated when conditions, scope, or programme change during the project.
Every worker should know the plan exists and understand the site rules that come from it.
The principal contractor is responsible for producing and maintaining the construction phase plan.
Applicable Legislation: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999