But It's only a small project like an extension - so we don't need Health and Safety

The Hidden World of Construction Phase Plans: Why Even Small Projects Need to Play It Safe!

Hey there, So you have just decided that you want to go for that double-storey extension at the back of the garden. The builder has come and quoted and all sounds great, but did you check to see if the builder is being compliant with CDM2015??

If you’re planning on sprucing up your space, or maybe you’re venturing into the world of construction (we salute your bravery!), there’s something you need to know. Yep, we’re talking about construction phase plans. But before you roll your eyes and scroll away, stick with us—we promise to keep it fun, and who knows, you might just learn something that saves you from a heap of trouble (and a few fines)!

So, What’s a Construction Phase Plan Anyway?

Imagine you’re putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You’ve got all these pieces—design, materials, workers—but without a clear picture on the box, it’s a mess. A construction phase plan (CPP) is your puzzle box! It’s a document that outlines how you’ll manage the safety and health aspects of your construction project from start to finish. This plan isn’t just a bureaucratic hoop to jump through; it’s your blueprint for keeping everyone safe and sound.

Even Small Projects Need to Play by the Rules

“But wait,” you say, “I’m just building an extension and it's not going to be that big. Surely I don’t need all that health and safety stuff?” Well, here’s the deal—even small projects can quickly become a nightmare if you skip the planning phase.

Imagine this: Your small project suddenly turns into a neighbourhood event with more than 20 people working at the same time (hey, you’ve got to get those tea breaks just right!). On that one particular day you have the kitchen fitter, electrician, plumbers, decorator and the PM snagging, plus the gardener because you ended up adding to the project after realising that you have just lost loads of space! Or, your project lasts longer than 30 working days or 500 person days.

Guess what? That’s when things get serious. At this point, your project needs to be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and trust us, you don’t want them knocking on your door with their clipboard of doom. They’ve got rules, regulations, and a whole lot of fees that could make your budget weep!

Why Outsourcing Could Save Your Sanity

Now, if the thought of managing all that health and safety compliance has you sweating, don’t worry—there’s a superhero for that. Enter Bennett Partnerships. These folks are pros at making sure your project is ticking all the right boxes without you having to lift a finger (except maybe to sign the check). They’ll handle the complex stuff, from notifying the HSE to ensuring that every aspect of your site is safe and compliant.

Not only will they keep the HSE officer off your back (and save you from those pesky fees), but they’ll also give you peace of mind knowing that everything is being handled by the book. And hey, that means you can focus on the fun stuff—like picking out paint colours or deciding where to put that fancy new fridge.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Whether you’re building a mansion or a doghouse, safety and compliance are key. Even small projects can spiral into HSE territory, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. With a solid construction phase plan and the right team (like Bennett Partnerships) in your corner, you can make sure your project goes off without a hitch—and without any surprise visits from the safety police.

So go ahead, and dream big with your construction plans, but remember: a little bit of planning can save you a whole lot of trouble.

Happy building! cis80.pdf (hse.gov.uk)