What is a Construction Phase Plan?
A Construction Phase Plan (CPP) is a document that sets out how health and safety will be managed throughout a construction project.
Required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), the plan helps identify project risks, define responsibilities, and outline the arrangements to be put in place to protect everyone involved in the work.
The level of detail should always be proportionate to the size and complexity of the project. A small domestic extension won't require the same level of detail as a large commercial development, but every construction project should have a suitable Construction Phase Plan before work begins.
When is a Construction Phase Plan required?
Under CDM 2015, every construction project requires a Construction Phase Plan. The document should be prepared before the construction phase begins and reviewed and updated as the project changes.
Where there is more than one contractor on site, the Principal Contractor is responsible for preparing the Construction Phase Plan. For projects involving only a single contractor, responsibility sits with that contractor.
Having a well-prepared plan helps demonstrate that health and safety has been properly considered before work begins.
Can you download a free Construction Phase Plan template?
There are many free Construction Phase Plan templates available online, and they can provide a useful framework for understanding how a CPP is structured.
However, templates should never be treated as a completed document.
Every project is different, meaning templates need to be carefully reviewed and amended to reflect the specific risks and arrangements for that particular site.
Using an outdated or generic Construction Phase Plan may leave important information missing and could fail to demonstrate that suitable planning has taken place.
Supporting documentation
Many Construction Phase Plans are accompanied by additional documents, including:
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Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) -
COSHH assessments
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Site induction records
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Site rules
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Emergency contact information
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Site setup documentation
Leaving Generic Wording Unchanged
Many templates contain placeholder text or broad statements that aren't relevant to your project. Every Construction Phase Plan should reflect the specific activities, hazards and control measures for the work being undertaken, rather than relying on generic wording.
Reusing Outdated Information
Copying a CPP from a previous project may seem like a time-saver, but it can result in inaccurate site details, incorrect contact information or references to hazards that no longer apply. Always review and update your documentation to ensure it reflects the current project.
Forgetting Supporting Documents
A Construction Phase Plan is only one part of your project documentation. Depending on the nature of the work, you may also need supporting documents such as Risk Assessments and Method Statements, COSHH Assessments, site induction records, emergency procedures, and site rules.
Treating the Plan as a One-Off Document
Construction projects can change as work progresses. For example, new hazards may emerge, or additional contractors may join the site. Your CPP should be reviewed and updated, ensuring it continues to reflect how health and safety will be managed throughout the project.
Template vs Construction Phase Plan software
Templates can be useful for understanding how a Construction Phase Plan is structured, but they still need to be carefully adapted to the project. If you create CPPs regularly, dedicated software can reduce repetitive editing and make project information easier to organise and update.
More than just a Construction Phase Plan
Preparing for a construction project often involves much more than creating a single document.
Ohutu helps contractors generate and manage a wide range of health & safety documentation from one platform, including:
Why choose Ohutu?
Save time
Create Construction Phase Plans faster than manually editing Word documents.
Stay organised
Keep all your construction health & safety paperwork together in one digital platform.
Produce consistent documentation
Follow the same structured process for every project, helping maintain professional, project-specific documentation.
Built for the construction industry
Created by a builder with more than 30 years of industry experience, Ohutu has been designed around the practical needs of contractors.
