HSE plan in construction: What it must contain
In construction, there are clear requirements for an HSE plan and systematic HSE work . An HSE plan in construction should document how the business works with health, environment and safety to prevent accidents, reduce risk and ensure safe working conditions.
But what should an HSE plan in construction actually contain?
Below we review typical content of an HSE plan for construction and civil engineering.
HSE plans are an important part of the systematic follow-up in construction projects. For a broader overview of how HSE, documentation, deviations and progress are related, you can read our complete guide to project management in construction .
1. Basic information in an HSE plan
An HSE plan should start with general information about the business and the project:
Project name and address
Name of builder and contractor
Contact information for responsible actors
Organization number
This provides an overview of who the plan applies to.
2. Organizational chart and HSE responsibilities
The plan should clearly show:
Who has HSE responsibility?
Who is a safety representative?
Who follows up on measures?
Who has the authority to stop work?
Clear division of responsibilities is crucial for compliance with HSE requirements.
3. Risk assessments in the HSE plan for construction and civil engineering
A key part of the HSE plan is risk identification.
In construction projects, this may include:
Working at height
Use of heavy machinery
Blasting
Working near traffic
Work with electrical installations
For each identified risk, specific measures to reduce the danger must be described.
4. HSE routines and procedures
The HSE plan should describe how the business works in practice.
This includes:
Safe Job Analysis (SJA) Procedures
Routines for using protective equipment
Training routines
Fire and first aid emergency plan
Waste management routines and environmental measures
Procedures for handling deviations
Safe Job Analysis (SJA) is an important tool for identifying and reducing risks in specific work operations. Read more about what a SJA is and how it is implemented in practice here.
Good routines for handling deviations are essential for improving HSE work over time. Read more about how deviations should be recorded and followed up here.
The plan should show how the requirements are actually followed up in daily work.
5. Laws and regulations that apply to HSE plans in construction
The HSE plan should refer to relevant laws and regulations, including:
The Working Environment Act
Internal Control Regulations
The Building Owners' Regulations
This documents that the business has considered applicable requirements.
6. Follow-up, documentation and revision of the HSE plan
An HSE plan is not a static document.
It should contain:
Plan for safety rounds and inspections
Update and revision procedures
Documentation of implemented measures
Signatures from responsible persons
The plan must be available to employees and updated as needed.
HSE plan vs. SHA plan – what's the difference?
An HSE plan applies to the company's systematic HSE work over time.
A SHA plan is project-specific and applies to safety, health and the working environment at the individual construction site.
👉 Read more about the difference between HSE plans and SHA plans here.
Why is a clear HSE plan important?
A well-developed HSE plan:
Reduces the risk of accidents
Clarify responsibilities
Ensures compliance with legal requirements
Provides better structure in project implementation
In larger projects, a digital HSE system can make it easier to collect documentation, conduct risk assessments, follow up on deviations and ensure that the HSE plan is up to date at all times.
A digital HSE system can contribute to better overview, traceability and easier updating of the HSE plan throughout the project period. Many construction companies therefore choose digital solutions to ensure structure and compliance with requirements.
Read more about how an HSE system can support work with HSE plans and documentation here.
Frequently asked questions about HSE plan content
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An HSE plan should contain information about organization, risk assessments, HSE routines, emergency preparedness, non-conformity management, and relevant laws and regulations.
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Yes, many people use a template as a starting point, but the plan must be adapted to the business's actual work and risk conditions.
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The HSE plan must be updated in the event of changes in work, organization or risk factors, and reviewed regularly as part of the company's internal control.
