At what point should a site safety plan be established?

A site safety plan should be established during project planning to ensure that safety measures are integrated into the project from the very beginning. This proactive approach allows for the identification of potential hazards, the assessment of risks, and the development of strategies to mitigate those risks before any work begins. By incorporating safety planning early in the project lifecycle, teams can ensure compliance with regulations and standards, promote a culture of safety, and protect workers from potential injuries or incidents that could arise during the execution of the project.

Establishing a safety plan only after safety incidents or upon the request of workers undermines the importance of preemptive measures and could lead to unnecessary accidents. Additionally, waiting until after project completion neglects the ongoing nature of safety management, which should be active throughout the entire project duration.