What Documents Do You Need to Start Work on a UK Construction Site?
Pro Site Docs · Guide
Turning up to a site without the right paperwork is the quickest way to be turned away. Here is the documentation most principal contractors expect before you start.
Before you mobilise
- RAMS for each activity you’ll carry out
- Public liability insurance certificate
- Competence evidence — cards, tickets, training records
- COSHH assessments for any hazardous substances
On day one
- Site induction records
- Daily briefing / activity briefing forms
- Permits (to dig, to work, hot works) where required
- Plant and equipment inspection records
Throughout the job
Toolbox talks, inspection forms, and incident/near-miss records keep you compliant and provide evidence for audits. Our document bundles gather all of this by trade — or grab 5 free templates to start.
Lee Hunt — SMSTS · NEBOSH NG1 & NG2 · NEBOSH Health & Safety Leadership Excellence · CSCS Black Card · Level 6 Diploma in Construction Site Management · IOSH · ISEP (environmental) · Temporary Works Supervisor & Coordinator · Lift Supervisor. Last reviewed: 29 August 2026.
Templates for this
Keep reading
General guidance only. This article explains how the rules generally work in UK construction. It is not advice for your specific site, task or project, and it is not legal advice. Your own risk assessment, method statement and arrangements must be prepared and checked by a competent person for the actual work being done.