As a general contractor or subcontractor, you prioritize safety on every job site. A site-specific safety plan (SSSP) is one document you must have to meet OSHA requirements and establish guidelines that protect everyone who works on the project.
Consider these tips for writing a thorough site-specific safety plan.
Write a Unique SSSP for Each Job
Each construction project you perform will require a unique SSSP, so don’t recycle SSSPs from past jobs. Write a new SSSP that addresses the specific challenges, site conditions and trade interactions for each project.
Cover All Your Bases
In general, an SSSP should be thorough for each project and cover a variety of areas, including:
- Job hazard analysis
- Safety chain of command and related roles and responsibilities
- Methods for managing tiered subcontractors
- Hazard communications
- Training qualifications
- Daily safety huddles
- Methods of work procedure
- Disciplinary action plan
- Incident response plan
- Crisis plan
- Housekeeping plan
- Fall protection plan
- Equipment crane plan
Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Whether you’re the general manager or a subcontractor on the job site, include roles and responsibilities in your SSSP. This section identifies and names the project manager, emergency contact person and competent person and describes the responsibilities these key personnel will take for major safety components each day.
You may also find related safety plan examples, such as Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Safety Plan, helpful when assigning responsibilities for energy control and equipment isolation.
Create a Thorough Incident Response Plan
Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen on any job site. The incident response plan outlines the steps contractors should take if someone is injured, property is damaged or equipment breaks.
Most incident response plans require investigation forms, witness statements, at least one post-incident meeting and drug and alcohol testing for involved employees. For projects with specific health risks, you may also review illness-specific protocols such as the Tuberculosis (TB) Safety Plan to inform medical response and screening procedures.
Specify Required Training
Your SSSP should include documents that prove each worker on the job site has professional training for their assigned tasks. You may require certification proof or other records to ensure each worker is competent to perform their job safely.
Update the Job Hazard Analysis as Needed
The job hazard analysis (JHA) should list the project’s tasks, associated hazards and safety controls. It must be detailed and cover all aspects of the project from start to finish.
Update the JHA as your project progresses; daily safety huddles can supplement the JHA by listing the day’s hazards and controls on the daily report form. For hazards related to access, egress or temporary passages, consider guidance like the Corridors and Walkways Safety Plan.
On a construction site you face multiple hazards each day. Write a site-specific safety plan that addresses hazards and outlines safety procedures. For more information on what to include in a SSSP and how to ensure safety, talk to your insurance agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a site-specific safety plan (SSSP)?
An SSSP is a written document that identifies project hazards and defines safety controls, roles and procedures tailored to a specific construction site.
Who should prepare the SSSP?
The contractor leading the project is typically responsible for preparing the SSSP, though input from subcontractors and the safety officer improves completeness.
How often should the job hazard analysis be updated?
Update the JHA whenever project conditions or tasks change, and review it regularly during daily safety huddles.
What should an incident response plan include?
An incident response plan should include notification procedures, immediate medical response steps, investigation forms, witness statements and post-incident reviews.