Health and safety plan
The requirement for a Health and Safety Plan for construction was established by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (or 'CDM Regulations') in 1994. The regulations came into force on 31 March 1995.
The regulations were introduced to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced.
The original regulations required that the Planning Supervisor ensure a Pre-Tender Health and Safety Plan was prepared for contractors setting out:
- A general description of the construction work.
- The programme.
- Risks to the health or safety of any person carrying out the construction work.
- Other information enabling the contractors to demonstrate the competence and adequacy of resources.
- Other information enabling the contractors to understand and perform their duties under the regulations.
The Principal Contractor then ensured that during the construction phase the Health and Safety Plan contained information about:
- Arrangements for the project to ensure the health and safety of all persons carrying out the construction work and all persons who may be affected by the work.
- Information about arrangements for the welfare of persons carrying out the construction work.
However, the CDM Regulations were substantially revised in 2007. Amongst many changes:
- The role of Planning Supervisor was replaced with a new, more hands-on CDM Co-ordinator.
- The Pre-Tender Health and Safety Plan was replaced with Pre-Construction Information, provided by the client and checked by the CDM Co-ordinator.
- The Health and Safety Plan was renamed the Construction Phase Plan (CPP), developed by the Principal Contractor.
NB: Rather confusingly, the Construction Phase Plan is still sometimes referred to as the Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Automated external defibrillator AED.
- CDM.
- CDM Co-ordinator.
- Construction phase plan.
- Emergency plan.
- Health and safety file.
- Planning supervisor.
- Pre-construction information.
- Principal contractor.
- Safety.
- Safety audit.
[edit] External references
Six things to include in the health and safety plan for a construction site
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Comments
Out of date information - CDM regulations updated in 2015