Construction Phase Plan Template for England and Wales

A Construction Phase Plan sets out the health and safety arrangements for any building project in England and Wales. It's a legal requirement under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, with the principal contractor typically responsible for creating and maintaining it throughout the work.

The plan spells out key safety measures, site rules, emergency procedures, and specific controls for high-risk activities. It must be tailored to each project's unique challenges and kept up-to-date as work progresses. For smaller jobs, it can be quite simple, while larger projects need more detailed plans covering everything from traffic management to worker welfare facilities.

You need a Construction Phase Plan before starting any construction work in England and Wales - from small home renovations to major commercial builds. The law requires it as soon as you move from planning to actual construction, with different levels of detail based on project size and complexity.

For simple jobs like installing a new kitchen, a basic plan works fine. But larger projects need comprehensive plans covering multiple contractors, complex safety arrangements, and site-specific risks. The key is having it ready before workers arrive on site, then updating it as the project evolves and new risks emerge.

• Basic Site Plans: Suitable for small residential projects or minor commercial works, covering essential safety measures and site rules
• Medium-Scale Construction Phase Plans: Used for mid-sized builds, including detailed risk assessments and contractor coordination
• Complex Project Plans: For large commercial developments, featuring comprehensive safety systems, multiple contractor management, and detailed emergency procedures
• Specialist Works Plans: Tailored for high-risk activities like demolition or working at height, with additional safety controls
• Design-Build Plans: Specifically structured for projects where design work continues during construction, requiring regular updates

• Principal Contractors: Legally responsible for creating and maintaining the Construction Phase Plan, ensuring it reflects current site conditions
• Project Managers: Oversee the plan's implementation and coordinate updates as work progresses
• Site Supervisors: Use the plan daily to manage safety procedures and ensure worker compliance
• Construction Workers: Must follow the safety measures and site rules outlined in the plan
• Health and Safety Inspectors: Review the plan during site visits to verify compliance with regulations
• Clients: Review and approve the plan, ensuring it adequately protects their interests and meets legal requirements

• Project Details: Collect basic information about the construction work, including scope, location, and timeline
• Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate all potential site hazards and specific work-related risks
• Site Rules: Define clear safety procedures, access controls, and working hours
• Emergency Planning: Document procedures for accidents, fires, and other emergency situations
• Worker Welfare: Detail facilities, first aid arrangements, and rest areas
• Communication: Establish channels for sharing safety information and reporting incidents
• Review Process: Set up a system for regular plan updates as work progresses

• Project Description: Key details about the construction work, site location, and timeline
• Management Structure: Clear outline of roles, responsibilities, and chain of command
• Risk Controls: Specific measures to address identified site hazards and work-related risks
• Site Rules: Comprehensive safety procedures, access restrictions, and working hours
• Emergency Procedures: Detailed response plans for accidents and incidents
• Welfare Arrangements: Facilities and provisions for workers' health and safety
• Monitoring Systems: Methods for reviewing and updating the plan throughout construction
• Training Requirements: Necessary qualifications and site-specific instruction needs

A Construction Phase Plan often gets confused with a Construction Agreement, but they serve distinct purposes in building projects. While both relate to construction work, their focus and legal requirements differ significantly.

• Purpose and Scope: A Construction Phase Plan focuses exclusively on health and safety management during the build, while a Construction Agreement covers the commercial and legal relationship between parties, including payment terms and project specifications
• Legal Requirements: The Construction Phase Plan is mandatory under CDM Regulations 2015 for all construction work, but a Construction Agreement is a voluntary contract between parties
• Timeframe: The Plan remains active and evolves throughout the construction phase, while the Agreement typically stays fixed once signed
• Content Focus: The Plan details specific safety measures and risk controls, whereas the Agreement outlines contractual obligations, costs, and deliverables