CDM 2015 Support for Construction Projects
Under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015, duty holders must ensure construction work is properly planned and managed to protect health and safety.
THSP supports Contractors and Principal Contractors in meeting these requirements with practical, straightforward guidance.
What is CDM 2015?
CDM 2015 sets out legal duties for managing health and safety on construction projects. A key requirement is the preparation of a Construction Phase Plan before work begins.
Why it matters
Effective planning reduces risk, prevents delays and improves site efficiency. When hazards are identified early, they can be controlled before they become issues on site.
Construction projects have a better chance of running safely, smoothly and profitably when hazards are predicted, planned for and controlled from the outset.
How THSP helps
We assist with the preparation and review of Construction Phase Plans, helping ensure they are:
- Practical and site-specific
- Aligned with legal requirements
- Easy to implement on-site
- Suitable for the scale and complexity of the project
Stay compliant with CDM 2015
Get support with Construction Phase Plans and CDM requirements for your project. We’ll help you ensure your duties are met and your project starts on a solid foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDM Support Services
What is CDM 2015 and who does it apply to?
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 set out legal duties for managing health and safety on construction projects. They apply to virtually all construction work in Great Britain, regardless of project size and place specific duties on clients, designers, principal designers, principal contractors and contractors. Understanding which duty holder role applies to your project is an important first step and THSP can help you work through this.
What is a Construction Phase Plan and is it a legal requirement?
A Construction Phase Plan is a document required under CDM 2015 that sets out how health and safety will be managed during the construction phase of a project. It must be prepared by the principal contractor before the construction phase begins and must be specific to the project. It is a legal requirement on all but the most straightforward projects and should be a practical working document rather than a generic template.
Who is responsible for producing the Construction Phase Plan?
Under CDM 2015, the principal contractor is responsible for preparing, maintaining and reviewing the Construction Phase Plan. Where there is only one contractor on a project, that contractor takes on the principal contractor duties and is responsible for the plan. THSP can support principal contractors in producing a Construction Phase Plan that is practical, site-specific and aligned with legal requirements.
What should a Construction Phase Plan include?
The plan should cover the arrangements for managing the project, including how health and safety risks will be controlled, welfare provisions, site rules, emergency procedures and how the principal contractor will coordinate the activities of subcontractors. It should be proportionate to the scale and complexity of the project and updated as work progresses. THSP helps ensure the plan reflects the realities of your specific project rather than relying on generic content.
When does CDM 2015 require a principal contractor to be appointed?
A principal contractor must be appointed on any project involving more than one contractor. The appointment should be made as early as possible in the project, before the construction phase begins. Where only one contractor is involved, that contractor assumes the principal contractor duties automatically. THSP can advise on the correct duty holder structure for your project.
What are the consequences of not complying with CDM 2015?
Failure to comply with CDM 2015 can result in enforcement action by the HSE, including improvement notices, prohibition notices and prosecution. Beyond the legal consequences, poor planning increases the likelihood of accidents, delays and cost overruns on site. THSP’s CDM support is designed to help you meet your obligations from the outset, reducing risk for the project and everyone involved.
Can THSP review an existing Construction Phase Plan?
Yes. If you already have a Construction Phase Plan in place but want to ensure it meets legal requirements and is fit for purpose for your project, THSP can review it and provide constructive feedback. This is particularly useful where a plan has been produced using a template and needs to be made more specific to the site conditions and scope of work.
How does CDM support from THSP fit alongside other site visiting services?
CDM support often works best alongside regular site inspections. THSP consultants can help you prepare your Construction Phase Plan before work begins and then provide ongoing site visits throughout the project to check that arrangements are being followed and to identify any issues as the project develops. This gives you consistent, practical support from planning through to completion.