What is a Construction Phase Plan (CPP)?
A Construction Phase Plan (CPP) is a vital health and safety document required for all construction projects under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). It sets out the safety arrangements, site rules, and risk controls needed before any construction begins, making sure the work is both safe and legally compliant.
The CPP isn’t a generic template—it must be customised to suit each project. That means identifying and addressing specific risks such as working at height, operating heavy machinery, handling hazardous materials, or working near high-voltage power lines. It also draws from the pre-construction information (PCI), which highlights specific risks associated with the site—such as environmental hazards or existing structures.
Who is Responsible for the CPP?
Responsibility for the Construction Phase Plan (CPP) depends on how many contractors are involved in the project:
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🧑🔧 One Contractor?
The contractor is responsible for preparing the CPP. -
👷♂️👷♀️ More Than One Contractor?
The Principal Contractor must prepare the CPP.
You cannot begin work until the CPP is in place and it remains a live document that should be regularly updated as the project progresses—especially when new risks emerge or significant changes occur.
When Should the CPP Be Updated?
The CPP must be reviewed and updated whenever there are major changes to the work, site, or risk profile. It’s essential that the plan remains current and reflects the actual scope of works. On smaller projects, fewer updates may be necessary, but regular review is still recommended—especially if hazards evolve.
As part of our service at Safety CDM Ltd, we offer regular site visits to review and update your Construction Phase Plan to reflect changing conditions and ensure ongoing compliance.
What Should a Construction Phase Plan Include?
While each CPP should be tailored to the specific project, typical contents include:
Project and Contractor Information:
Name and contact details of the client, principal contractor, and principal designer
Name of the contractor the plan is being prepared for
Project description: location, nature of work, timescales, key dates
Project team members and contact information
Site Management Arrangements:
Communication and coordination methods
Health and safety goals and health monitoring
Site meetings and updates
Emergency procedures (first aid, fire safety)
Site rules and access/egress arrangements
Site inductions and workforce briefings
Welfare and Safety Measures:
Availability of hygiene and welfare facilities
Consultation procedures with workers
Risk management arrangements (public and workforce)
Consideration of environmental and structural risks
How the Construction Phase Plan Ties Into CDM Regulations
The CDM Regulations 2015 aim to improve health and safety across all roles in the construction industry—from designers and contractors to clients and workers.
Since the 2015 update, a Construction Phase Plan is now required for all construction projects, regardless of size or duration. This includes smaller domestic jobs such as:
Installing a kitchen or bathroom
Loft conversions or extensions
Structural changes (e.g. chimney breast removal)
Roofing works, including dormers
High-Risk Activities Requiring Extra Attention (CDM Schedule 3)
Under Schedule 3 of CDM 2015, your CPP must address specific high-risk activities, such as:
Working at height or near fragile surfaces
Risk of burial under collapse, swampland, or earthfall
Use of hazardous substances or ionising radiation
Working near high-voltage power lines
Risk of drowning
Excavation, tunnelling, or deep foundation work
Use of compressed air in caissons or confined spaces
Diving operations
Use of explosives
Lifting operations involving heavy prefabricated components
Ignoring these areas can lead to serious consequences—not only in terms of safety but also regulatory compliance.
With our help, you can be confident your project is safe, compliant,
and well-managed from start to finish.
👉 Learn more: Construction Phase Plan Services – Safety CDM Ltd
📘 Official HSE Guidance: Planning for Construction Work – HSE
