In 2023, there were 78,641 work-related injuries or illnesses in the construction industry. The key to reducing the number of injuries on construction sites is the proper planning, training, and execution of safety protocols and procedures. Job site specific safety plans help contractors address the specific hazards and risks present on a job.

Each site is different, exposing construction workers to different hazards, whether it be chemicals, risk of falling, dropping materials, or respiratory dangers. By providing in-depth analysis of these hazards and protocols or procedures to mitigate or eliminate them, workers can continue to work safely, keeping projects on schedule and avoiding costly delays.

Bonus: For help putting together your safety plan, we’ve created a free construction safety plan template that you can download. For more information about what to include in your SSSP, keep reading!

What is a site specific safety plan in construction?

In construction, a site specific safety plan (SSSP) provides a resource for all workers and visitors to the job site so they know how to avoid or mitigate the safety risks associated with the site or the work being performed there. Generally, the plan includes:

• An outline of the scope of work that will be performed on the job
• A list of potential risks or hazards associated with the site itself, or the work being performed
• Policies or safety practices that should be followed to help prevent or minimize the risks or hazards identified

An SSSP is usually created by the construction manager or general contractor before work begins on the project. The company may ask a safety professional, supervisor, or project manager to write up the plan, depending on the potential contents and how the company is organized. Trade and subcontractors often follow the general contractor’s SSSP for their work but may also create their own plan if the work is complex or hazardous.

The main purpose of a site safety plan is to identify risks and provide protocols or practices that can help eliminate or mitigate hazards. It also helps prevent site accidents and injuries, which can help keep projects on time and on budget.

A construction site specific safety plan should remain flexible and fluid as the project progresses. As work is added or incidents occur, the plan should be updated and communicated to everyone working on or visiting the site. Contractors often require on-site training regarding the SSSP for all workers and visitors. This may take the form of a brief orientation or more formal classroom training, depending on the scope and complexity of the project and the plan.

Who uses construction safety plans?

A jobsite safety plan is developed, written, and enforced by the entire project team. However, field personnel and subcontractors also have a role.

Competent persons 

OSHA requires that construction contractors have a “competent person” on each job site to help identify risks and hazards, determine how to mitigate or prevent those hazards, and monitor the work to ensure that workers are following the procedures necessary for safe work. This person may be the site supervisor, project manager, or another safety professional. 

A competent person should be at the very least involved in creating the SSSP for each site, if not responsible for creating the whole plan. These workers have additional training and experience that can help provide insight into identifying and mitigating risks, as well as assist with monitoring performance to ensure that the procedures identified are being followed.

Site supervisors

Superintendents and foremen are heavily involved in the creation and implementation of each site safety plan. Superintendents are often responsible for creating these plans, and foremen provide valuable input from field crews on potential hazards and how to address them. In addition, supervisors are responsible for observing the work and ensuring that the protocols and procedures are adhered to.

Subcontractors

Subcontractors and trade contractors often follow the safety plan created by the general contractor but may develop their own if the work is particularly complex or outside their normal work activities. Site supervisors or foremen are usually responsible for plan creation and enforcement. 

Designers

Designers, such as architects and engineers, may also play a role in creating and managing an SSSP. There are times when designers provide input into the safety plan, especially if temporary structures or large equipment are needed to keep workers safe. For example, scaffolding is required to be properly engineered to carry the weight of workers and materials safely. Or temporary earthwork berms may be needed to protect workers around a trench. 

Field workers

Field workers should be trained on the potential hazards on each site, as well as what protocols or procedures they can use to protect themselves.

How does an SSSP fit into a construction safety management system?

A contractor’s safety management system includes a variety of personnel and policies/procedures, including:

• Safety policies
• Safety professionals
• Safety committee
• Employee and subcontractor training system
• Accident investigations
• Management participation

The safety system covers the work performed by a contractor’s entire workforce, often across multiple job sites.

An SSSP draws from the overall safety system but is designed to address a specific project with unique hazards. Not all of a company’s policies will apply to every project, while others will. For example, a masonry contractor will most likely need a fall protection policy for all their jobs, while they will need a trench safety policy only for projects where groundwork is being performed. Each SSSP should address only the hazards found on that specific job site, while drawing from the tools, resources, and expertise of the entire company.

What to include in your construction site safety plan

Just as every job site is different, every construction site safety plan should also be different. While some sections may draw from a boilerplate plan, each should be reviewed and revised as necessary to address the specific hazards and risks present on site. While not every section will apply, here are some of the things that should be included in a site specific safety plan: 

Project details

Include information about the project, including type of work, trades, square footage, number of floors/buildings, construction method or materials, and any other data that would be useful. 

The project address should be posted prominently at the site so all workers can see it in case of an emergency, as well as being included in the safety plan.

Scope of work 

Include a description of the scope of work, plus details like start and end dates, a schedule of project milestones, equipment arrival dates, etc.

Contact list

A contact list including names and phone numbers for each of the project team members should be included in the plan. Provide a list of safety professionals, site supervisors, project managers, and anyone else that is involved in project oversight. A phone tree may also be included to communicate with personnel about hazards or site conditions.

Geographic/regional risks

Certain regions or areas have potential risks that aren’t found elsewhere, like hurricanes or tornadoes. It’s important to include planning for these events, especially on longer projects that may span seasons or years. 

Site hazard drawings and maps

Maps and/or site drawings should be included, with potential hazards located and marked. Include procedures to help workers avoid injuries when working near these hazards. Safety data sheets (SDS) should also be included in a contractor safety plan, so workers know what to do if exposed to hazardous chemicals or materials.

Procedures to avoid hazards

Provide a detailed overview of the policies and procedures that should be followed to help keep workers safe from the identified hazards. These procedures are often sourced from the company’s existing safety plan, or they may develop new ones to address new hazards. Examples of policies to include:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Fall protection
• Housekeeping
• Equipment/vehicles
• Training requirements/toolbox talks

Routine safety checks

Include the schedule for routine safety checks, noting when the inspections will happen and specifically what will be checked (PPE, fall protection, etc.).

Accident investigation process

Include your accident investigation process, including what incidents need to be reported and how and to whom they should be reported.

PPE guidelines

List the personal protective equipment guidelines specific for the project, including what equipment workers must wear and any special requirements when running specific tools or equipment.

Medical treatment locations

Note where the closest medical facilities are located, including first aid kits, hospitals, and urgent care facilities. 

Hazard communication plan

Include a hazard communication plan in case of a natural disaster or other emergency. Include an emergency phone tree, meeting sites in case of evacuation, and procedures for making sure everyone is accounted for.

Disciplinary measures

If necessary, include disciplinary measures that will be taken if workers aren’t complying with the SSSP protocols. For example, workers may be verbally warned, then written up, then asked to leave the job site.

Site specific safety plan OSHA requirements for compliance

OSHA requires a written site safety plan when:

• Handling hazardous substances
• Performing hot work
• Working in confined spaces
• Working at height
• Using a crane or hoist
• There’s risk of electrical shock
• Respiratory hazards are present
• Or when there’s a risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure

All construction companies are required to have a written emergency action plan, fire prevention plan, and hazard communication plan. These can be separate from the SSSP but are recommended as part of a written safety training and education program.

How digital tools can improve jobsite safety

No matter how you write it, an SSSP is only effective if you communicate its contents to workers on site. Using digital tools, like software, to create, communicate, and access your SSSP helps provide:

Real-time updates

When the plan is centralized, everyone can see what is happening in real-time, so you don’t have to send notice when something changes.

Improved visibility

Everyone can see the plan when they need it, whether in the field, the office, or at another location.

Access to historical information

Looking back at past projects, hazard assessments, and incident reports helps better inform future project planning.

Daily logs

If an incident does occur, real-time daily reporting can help teams piece together what happened, as well as provide valuable evidence, if needed.

Planning for safety

Site specific safety plans are developed by workers with experience in field operations and safety in construction. They’re used by field personnel, supervisors, and site visitors to identify and mitigate or eliminate potential safety hazards, keeping everyone safe and healthy. Procedures and protocols are listed to guide field workers in their daily work tasks, while supervisors are tasked with ensuring that these procedures are followed and, when they are not, taking disciplinary action if warranted. Keeping written records of incidents and actions helps inform future project planning, as well as providing legal documentation when needed. Find out more about Houzz Pro’s Daily Log software and how it can help you better track safety incidents and improve safety on future projects.

Want to learn more about construction safety? Check out our article, Contractor’s Guide to Pet Safety on Construction Sites.