A Construction Phase Plan Explained

If you are involved in construction in any way, you'll likely hear the phrase' construction phase plan' mentioned. In this blog, our experts outline what is required in a construction health and safety plan, who's responsible for it, and what a construction phase plan should contain.

What is a Construction Phase Plan? A construction phase plan is a crucial document that ensures the health and safety of workers on-site during a construction project. The plan identifies key stakeholders, outlines potential risks on the site, and proposes a plan to prevent or mitigate these risks. A phase plan also includes chosen communication methods and the workers' contact details.

What is a Construction Phase Plan in Health and Safety?

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, also known as the CDM 2015, a Construction Phase Plan is required for every construction project. The document outlines all possible safety concerns associated with the project and details the safety procedures in place to mitigate risks. Construction phase plans (CPPs) include a file with relevant health and safety (H&S) documents.

The construction phase plan must be developed before construction commences, with regular reviews and updates as needed throughout the project's progression. This is due to the rapidly changing nature of a construction site, whose risks change as structures are built, for example.

Construction phase plans were introduced in 1994 and have been revised since, with the latest revision occurring in 2015.

What Main Headings Should a Typical Construction Phase Plan Contain?

According to hse.gov.uk, a construction phase plan must detail the risks, procedures, and other relevant details of a planned project.. The level of detail you provide must correspond to the risks associated with the project, whether on-site or within the surrounding areas. To ensure compliance with regulations, we have outlined the suggested headings below.

Project Plan

The first section of your CCP should outline the project's overall plan and main details. This serves as the context for anyone reviewing your phase plan. This will include:

  • Your name and company
  • The client's details and contact information
  • The contact details of other key stakeholders (e.g. designers or architects)
  • An outline of the project at hand
  • Key dates include projected start and finish dates
  • The location of your hygiene and rest facilities

People

The details of everyone working on the site must be recorded, regardless of the size or scope of their job. In your construction phase plan, you should include:

  • Details and contact information of builders, plumbers, electricians, and other relevant contractors
  • Details of the principal contractor (basically, the one in charge)
  • Your chosen communication channels for keeping everyone updated on the site
  • Management structure and responsibilities
  • Plan for ongoing monitoring and updating of health and safety
  • Relevant health and safety documents and procedures
  • First aid provisions

Organisation

This will be the largest and most detailed section of your construction phase plan. With each criterion outlined below, you should include whether the hazard is present and how you plan to prevent the risks associated with it:

  • Electricity
  • Collapse of structures
  • Dust & asbestos
  • Falls from height
  • Risks to the public, client, or anyone else not working on the project
  • Other dangers on site, and anything else that may require supervision

A construction phase plan is required before a construction project begins, regardless of its size or scope. The document is vital as it demonstrates that health and safety have been considered, and ensures that all staff on site understand the correct procedures for minimising and preventing risks.