General

Health and Safety Plan

Also known as: HASP, Site Safety Plan, SSP

A written document outlining hazards, controls, training, and emergency procedures for a specific construction site.

A Health and Safety Plan (HASP) is the project-specific written safety program for a construction site. It identifies the hazards present (excavation, fall, confined space, electrical, hazardous materials), the controls in place (PPE, training, equipment, signage), responsible parties, OSHA-mandated programs (fall protection, hazard communication, etc.), and emergency response procedures. It is reviewed and updated as scope and conditions change.

Large commercial and industrial projects, federal projects, and projects with hazardous materials almost always require a written HASP. Some owners require one regardless of project size. The HASP is shared with all subcontractors during onboarding and is referenced during the daily safety briefing (toolbox talk). Beyond compliance, a real HASP that the field actually uses is one of the most effective ways to reduce experience modification rate (Mod) over time, which directly lowers workers' comp premiums.

Frequently asked questions

When is a Health and Safety Plan required?+

Always required on federal projects, large commercial work, hazardous-materials work, and any project where an owner requires one in the contract. Best practice on every project regardless of legal requirement, since it forces the contractor to think through hazards before work starts.

What does a HASP typically include?+

Project description, site-specific hazards, hazard control measures, PPE requirements, OSHA-mandated programs (fall protection, hazcom, lockout-tagout, etc.), training records, emergency response procedures, contact list, and incident reporting procedures.

Who develops the HASP?+

Typically the GC's safety director or a safety consultant. Subcontractors contribute their trade-specific portions (electrical lockout, scaffold, hot work, etc.). The owner reviews and accepts before mobilization on most large projects.

Related terms

OSHA

The federal agency enforcing workplace safety regulations on construction sites. Standards in 29 CFR 1926 cover construction-specific risks.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Insurance covering medical and lost-wage benefits for employees injured on the job. Required by state law in most states.

Mobilization

Moving equipment, labor, and temporary facilities onto a construction site at project start. Often a separate billed line item.

Subcontractor

A contractor performing specific scope under contract with the prime contractor (typically the GC), not directly with the owner.