What is a Construction Phase Plan?

The construction phase plan is a key document required by CDM 2015. It sets out the health and safety arrangements for managing the construction phase of a project. Think of it as the safety rulebook for the build.

Who prepares it?

• On projects with multiple contractors: The principal contractor
• On single-contractor projects: The contractor

When must it be ready? Before construction work begins. The client must ensure it's in place—no plan, no start.

Construction Phase Plan vs RAMS

These documents are often confused. Here's the difference:

RAMS from individual contractors should align with and support the construction phase plan.

What Must a Construction Phase Plan Include?

CDM 2015 doesn't prescribe a format, but the plan must include arrangements for managing health and safety risks. HSE guidance (L153) suggests:

1. Project Description

• Description of the project and work involved
• Key dates and programme
• Project team and management structure
• Contact details for key personnel

2. Management Arrangements

• Site rules and how they'll be communicated
• Induction procedures
• Welfare arrangements
• First aid and emergency procedures
• Accident and incident reporting
• Site security
• Fire prevention and control
• Consultation with workers

3. Control of Significant Risks

• Site-wide risks (access, traffic, interfaces)
• High-risk activities present on the project
• Health risks (dust, noise, vibration, substances)
• Environmental considerations

4. Arrangements for Specific High-Risk Work

If the project involves any of the following, specific arrangements must be detailed:

• Work at height (including falls into excavations)
• Excavations
• Work near underground/overhead services
• Demolition or dismantling
• Work with explosives
• Work on or near water
• Work involving diving
• Work in compressed air
• Work involving ionising radiation
• Confined space entry
• Work with heavy precast elements

5. The Health and Safety File

Arrangements for gathering information for the health and safety file during construction.

Template Structure for Construction Phase Plan

Here's a practical structure you can use:

Section 1: Project Information

• 1.1 Project description and address
• 1.2 Client details and domestic client declaration (if applicable)
• 1.3 Principal designer details
• 1.4 Principal contractor details
• 1.5 Notification (F10) status
• 1.6 Key dates and programme summary
• 1.7 Site layout plan

Section 2: Project Team and Communication

• 2.1 Organisation chart
• 2.2 Key personnel and responsibilities
• 2.3 Emergency contact list
• 2.4 Subcontractor management
• 2.5 Communication arrangements
• 2.6 Coordination meetings

Section 3: Site Rules and Procedures

• 3.1 Site access and security
• 3.2 Site induction requirements
• 3.3 PPE requirements (minimum standards)
• 3.4 Permit to work systems
• 3.5 Hot work controls
• 3.6 Traffic management
• 3.7 Housekeeping standards
• 3.8 Waste management

Section 4: Welfare and Facilities

• 4.1 Welfare facilities (toilets, washing, rest areas)
• 4.2 First aid arrangements
• 4.3 Occupational health provisions

Section 5: Emergency Procedures

• 5.1 Fire prevention and procedures
• 5.2 Evacuation plan and assembly points
• 5.3 Rescue procedures (for height work, confined space, etc.)
• 5.4 Environmental emergency response
• 5.5 Accident and incident reporting
• 5.6 RIDDOR reporting responsibilities

Section 6: Risk Management

• 6.1 Site-wide risk register
• 6.2 Interface risks between trades
• 6.3 Public protection
• 6.4 Specific arrangements for high-risk work
• 6.5 Health hazards (asbestos, silica, noise, etc.)
• 6.6 Existing hazards (services, contamination, structures)

Section 7: Monitoring and Review

• 7.1 Inspection regime
• 7.2 Toolbox talks and briefings
• 7.3 Document review and update
• 7.4 Lessons learned

Appendices

• Site layout drawing
• Emergency contact list
• Pre-construction information summary
• Register of subcontractors and their RAMS
• Permit to work forms
• Inspection checklists

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic plans: Copy-pasting from another project without site-specific content
• Set and forget: Not updating as the project evolves
• Information overload: Including every possible risk rather than focusing on what's relevant
• Poor distribution: Having a plan that nobody on site has read
• Missing subcontractor input: Not incorporating contractor RAMS into overall arrangements

How RAMS Feed Into the Construction Phase Plan

Individual contractor RAMS provide the detail that the construction phase plan references. As principal contractor, you should:

• Require RAMS from all contractors before work starts
• Review RAMS for adequacy and consistency with site rules
• Identify interface issues between different contractors' work
• Ensure workers are briefed on relevant RAMS content

DocGen's AI RAMS generator helps contractors create consistent, professional RAMS that integrate smoothly with construction phase plans. Try our free template.

Keeping the Plan Live

The construction phase plan isn't a one-time document. It must be reviewed and updated:

• When new significant risks are identified
• When work sequences change
• When new contractors join the project
• After any significant incident
• At key project milestones

A good plan grows with the project. Version control and clear communication of updates are essential.