How To Make A Safety Plan For Construction

Intro & Summary

Creating a safety plan for a construction project is more than just fulfilling an obligation; it’s about making safety a meaningful part of your culture. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make a safety plan that is not only effective but also impactful. We’ll break down the steps for developing safety plans at the company, project, and crew levels, ensuring safety remains a top priority at every stage of construction. 

How to Identify Your Company Standards for Safety

When crafting a safety plan for your company, the first step is to identify your company’s safety standards. Depending on where you operate, this could involve meeting OSHA requirements, local city codes, or even standards set by the owner or insurance carrier. Start by understanding the specific regulations that apply to you, but more importantly, define how you will implement these safety standards and decide which ones are most important to your company.

How to Provide Company Training for Safety

Once you’ve established your standards, company training is essential. You need to create a clear, easily accessible safety and health manual. Make sure it’s easy to read, bulleted, and serves as a quick reference for employees. Then, offer training tailored to your company’s expectations. This could be in the form of general training, specific checklists, posters, or procedures. The key is to decide how you want to implement safety and then train your team to follow it.

Importance of Follow-Ups, Check-Ins, and Safety Inspections

The next critical step is ensuring consistent follow-up. Regular safety inspections and check-ins are vital for maintaining a safe work environment. The best safety cultures, like the one I experienced working with Janet at DPR, integrate frequent safety walks and monthly inspections. 

These follow-ups ensure that safety standards are being maintained and give you the opportunity to address any issues as they arise. The goal is to create a culture where safety is taken seriously, and everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe workplace.

The Key to Implementing Safety in Construction

To successfully implement safety in construction, you need to focus on both beliefs and actions. A strong safety culture is built on clear communication, training, and consistent follow-up. By shaping beliefs through training and actions through field inspections, you can ensure safety becomes second nature to everyone on the team.

Importance of Including Safety Guidelines in Project Planning & Scheduling

When it comes to safety at the project level, the first step is ensuring your project planning and scheduling includes safety considerations. Every aspect of your planning—from logistics to work zones—should allocate time, resources, and methods for safe execution.

How to Create a Safety Plan for a Construction Project

Next, create a project-specific safety plan. This plan should focus on high-risk areas of the project and be tailored to the specific needs of the job. If you need an example, let me know in the comments. Your safety plan should address hazards, define safe practices, and ensure everyone on the site understands the procedures.

How to Design a Safety System & Signage Plan

Your logistics plan should also include a detailed safety system. Design your safety signage from the ground up so that every critical safety component is clearly identified and accessible. This includes emergency gathering areas, AED locations, emergency shutoff valves, and rescue equipment like crane lift baskets. Make sure these elements are planned and marked on your site map so everyone knows where to go in an emergency.

Important Safety Elements to Include When Designing Your System

When designing your safety system, identify your approach to safety on the project site. This includes deciding who will oversee safety, how training and orientation will be conducted, and how deviations from safety standards will be addressed. For instance, my approach is a zero-tolerance policy: safety violations are met with immediate action, ensuring everyone stays aligned with OSHA standards and project safety expectations.

How to Design Your Own Safety System in Construction

Whatever your method, make sure you have a consistent system in place that everyone follows. Train your team, include safety requirements in site orientation, and regularly reinforce these standards through meetings and check-ins. A consistent approach ensures that safety becomes ingrained in the project culture, reducing accidents and improving overall job site conditions.

How to Prepare for Safety on a Scope Basis with Your Crew

At the crew level, safety preparation involves clearly identifying tasks, outlining installation steps, and identifying potential hazards for each step. Implement mitigation measures, make sure everyone understands their role, and ensure the crew has the proper tools, training, and time to do the job safely.

Important Reminders When Implementing Safety in Construction

At all levels—whether company-wide, project-specific, or crew-focused—success in safety comes down to a few key principles:

1. Set clear expectations.
2. Ensure everyone understands these expectations in a visible and accessible way.
3. Provide proper training.
4. Follow up with field inspections to confirm adherence.

Finally, do not tolerate safety violations. Consistently uphold your standards to create a culture where safety is respected and followed. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to implementing a comprehensive safety plan for your construction projects.

Conclusion

Safety planning in construction is essential at every level. Whether for your company, project, or crew, building a strong safety culture involves clear standards, thorough training, regular follow-up, and consistent enforcement. By following these guidelines, you can turn safety from an obligation into a cornerstone of your project’s success.