Pre-Task Planning
A pre-task plan is a short crew huddle before work starts: what are we doing, what could go wrong, and how will we prevent it? It takes five to fifteen minutes and catches problems when they are still easy to fix.
- Foremen
- Crews
- Supervisors
Why it works
- Conditions change every day: weather, other trades, equipment, access and materials.
- It brings everyone into the plan, including the newest worker.
- It builds the habit of looking for hazards before starting. See Job Hazard Analysis.
Steps
- Describe the task and who does what. Include the sequence.
- Identify hazards: falls, struck-by, caught-in, electrical, hot work, chemicals, pinch points, overhead work, traffic, weather and other trades nearby.
- Choose controls: eliminate or substitute where possible, then use guards, barriers, lockout, fall protection, PPE, spotters and procedures.
- Check permits and equipment: hot work, confined space, lift plans, inspections, tags and training.
- Assign roles: competent person, spotter, signal person, fire watch, first aider.
- Review emergency actions: where the first aid kit is, exits, assembly point, how to call for help and give the location.
- Everyone signs or acknowledges, and understands they can stop work if conditions change.
Tips for good plans
- Keep it specific to today's work. Avoid generic lists that look the same every day.
- Ask the crew: "What could hurt us? What have we not thought of?" Listen to the answers.
- Use pictures and walk the area. See Situational Awareness.
- Use short forms, tablets or whiteboards, and keep copies.
- Stop and replan if the task, crew, weather or conditions change.
Quick template
- Task and location:
- Steps in order:
- Hazards for each step:
- Controls and PPE needed:
- Permits, equipment and training needed:
- Roles and communication:
- Emergency plan and nearest help:
- Crew sign-off:
Standards & references
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