Joseph Willis | Construction Executive
The best defense is a good offense, and in the case of construction, the best reaction to jobsite risk is being proactive and prepared.
In the realm of construction—where every project involves a multitude of moving parts, uncertainties and potential hazards—effective risk management is the key to preventing costly project interruptions. A well-executed site safety plan can help prevent tragic injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction industry-related deaths due to falls, slips and trips increased 5.9% in 2021, and the industry comprises 46% of all workplace falls, slips and trips fatalities in the workforce at large.
Project delays due to jobsite incidents can also have far-reaching consequences, impacting budgets and client satisfaction. Having a thorough, job-specific plan will help minimize disruptions by addressing potential hazards before they escalate into costly incidents. A well-executed safety plan also streamlines workflows, reduces downtime and optimizes resource utilization. By promoting a culture of safety consciousness among workers, site-specific safety plans contribute to improve productivity and project outcomes.
Having a mitigation strategy for each job can also help avoid legal and financial risk. Noncompliance with safety regulations can expose construction companies to third-party litigation, OSHA fines and reputational damage. Anticipating and planning for these potential problems will ensure regulatory compliance, mitigating the risk of costly penalties and future legal disputes. Moreover, by preventing incidents and injuries, site safety plans help control workers’ compensation costs and insurance premiums, thereby protecting the financial health of construction projects.
It is up to everyone on site to adhere to best practices, but the ultimate responsibility for implementing comprehensive strategies to help prevent costly incidents falls on safety and risk managers. This article covers the importance of a site-specific safety plan and the elements that guarantee its effectiveness, as well as other risk-management strategies that apply to specific construction projects.
WHAT IS AN SSSP?
At its core, a site-specific safety plan is a blueprint specifically created to navigate the hazards inherent to each unique construction environment. Unlike generic safety protocols that offer broad strokes of guidance, SSSPs are tailored to the nuances of each project. They serve as a proactive measure to identify, assess and mitigate risks, ensuring that construction activities proceed smoothly and securely.
The person responsible for implementing and maintaining the SSSP varies depending on the construction company. For some organizations this is delegated to a general manager or superintendent. In larger firms that person is often a safety director or an on-staff risk-management professional. The creation of the SSSP will involve the responsible persons within the firm and an outsourced risk consultant or occupational safety firm that specializes in loss control. It is critically important to involve the right parties during this planning phase due to the varying levels of expertise and perspectives each member provides.
COMPONENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE SSSP
A well-crafted SSSP comprises several key components, each essential in its own right. These items address three keys to the SSSP: identify, assess and mitigate.
Site Assessment—The foundation of the SSSP is understanding, quite literally, the lay of the land. A comprehensive site assessment identifies potential hazards, such as uneven terrain, overhead obstructions or underground utilities. By conducting thorough inspections and risk assessments, project stakeholders can gain valuable insights into site-specific risks and develop targeted mitigation strategies.
Hazard Identification—Once an initial assessment has been completed, the next step is to identify and assess hazards and determine their severity as well as the likelihood they could cause an accident. This involves categorizing hazards based on their nature (e.g., falls, electrocution, chemical exposure) and determining their potential impact on workers and the surrounding environment. By prioritizing hazards according to their risk level, safety measures can be managed accordingly.
Safety Procedures and Protocols—The next phase involves developing safety procedures and protocols to mitigate risk. This includes establishing guidelines for personal protective equipment, safe work practices, emergency-response procedures and hazard communication. Clear and concise protocols ensure that workers are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate potential hazards safely.
Training and Education—A safety plan is only as effective as the people who implement it. In-depth training and education programs are essential to ensure that everyone on site understands their roles and responsibilities regarding safety. This may involve conducting safety orientation sessions, providing specialized training for high-risk activities and offering ongoing refresher courses to reinforce safety best practices.
Emergency Preparedness and Response—Despite best efforts to mitigate risks, emergencies still occur. An SSSP should include provisions for emergency preparedness and response, such as evacuation procedures, first-aid protocols and communication channels for reporting incidents. By planning for emergencies in advance, construction teams can minimize the impact of unforeseen events and ensure a swift and coordinated response.
Once the SSSP has been created and approved, it should be distributed to all parties involved—which is anyone on site at the project. Some form of orientation should be mandated prior to entering the jobsite and communication protocol readily available should workers need additional guidance.
OTHER PLANS
Aside from the SSSP, additional plans may need to be developed to meet the needs of specific jobs, though the objective remains the same: identify, assess and mitigate project-specific risk.
Environmental Protection Plan—Construction activities can have significant impacts on the surrounding environment, including soil erosion, habitat disruption and pollution. An environmental protection plan outlines measures to minimize these impacts through erosion control, sedimentation management and sustainable land-management practices. This may involve implementing erosion-control blankets, silt fences and bioengineering techniques to stabilize soil and prevent runoff. It also takes into account any U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations and standards that need to be met prior to mobilization.
Logistics and Operational Site Planning—Efficient logistics are critical to the smooth functioning of construction operations. A logistical plan outlines strategies for managing material deliveries, equipment mobilization and traffic flow on site. By optimizing logistical processes, such as just-in-time delivery and off-site prefabrication, construction companies can minimize congestion, reduce costs and enhance productivity.
OTHER RISK MITIGATION TACTICS TO CONSIDER
Bonding: A Promise of Performance—Surety bonds provide project owners with assurance that they will be protected in the event of contractor default, nonperformance or financial insolvency. By requiring bonding as a condition of contract award, project owners can mitigate the risk of project delays, cost overruns and disputes, ensuring the successful completion of construction projects. Consider regularly reevaluating your surety program to protect stakeholder interest and ensure successful execution of the project.
Building and Maintaining an Adequate Insurance Program—Despite their best efforts, construction firms are eventually faced with incidents resulting in financial loss. They should implement and maintain a thorough insurance program to account for these scenarios. Most programs should include workers’ compensation, builder’s risk and professional liability insurance at a minimum. Consult with a specialty brokerage firm that operates within the construction industry to ensure that all exposures for each project are addressed.
No two construction projects are alike, so a one-size-fits-all approach to risk management is not advisable. Instead, it is essential to create risk-management solutions that account for each project’s specific characteristics and requirements. Project scope and complexity, site conditions and constraints, and regulatory compliance should be considered when developing a risk-management strategy. By tailoring safety measures to the unique characteristics of each project site, these plans promote a culture of safety, protect workers’ wellbeing and safeguard the success of future projects.
When one of your cases is in need of a construction expert, estimates, insurance appraisal or umpire services in defect or insurance disputes – please call Advise & Consult, Inc. at 888.684.8305, or email experts@adviseandconsult.net.