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Extracted Content

Operations Safety Plan

An Operations Safety Plan protects workers from hazards in their working environment across different building systems. Implementing protective measures for each system is a proactive strategy to avoid injuries, illnesses, and incidents. It minimizes safety and health risks and assists employers in providing safe and healthy working conditions. [19] A one-size-fits-all approach to safety is inadequate as different systems have distinct operational processes, types of equipment, and potential hazards. Customizing safety protocols for each system enables organizations to effectively minimize risks.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Projects are responsible for providing adequate PPE to all workers to reduce potential safety risks. Equipment needs, while dependent on the task, typically include foot, head, eye, face, ear, respiratory, and/or fall protection.

STAFF PROVISIONS

Prioritizing the well-being of workers is as important as promoting safety. The OSP is required to include provisions for regular breaks and access to essential services such as drinking water and restrooms. [20] Exposure to extreme heat, cold, rain, and high winds contributes to serious health issues such as heat exhaustion or hypothermia, which contextualizes the need for protecting workers from inclement weather. Providing adequate shelter and appropriate protective gear reduces risks at work, while neglecting these measures can lead to decreased productivity, increased fatigue, and a higher risk of injury among workers.

COMMUNICATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Clearly communicate safety policies and emergency procedures to all workers, displaying them prominently in break rooms, lobbies, and other common areas. This visibility allows workers to easily access and review critical safety information, enabling them to know how to report incidents and address unsafe conditions effectively.

ANNUAL SAFETY REVIEW

The OSP must include an annual safety review that evaluates fall hazards, access points, confined spaces, and other critical safety aspects. Review and update the plan annually to adapt to evolving hazards brought on by changes in equipment, systems, or operations. For

19 “Hazard Prevention and Control”, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha), accessed March 21, 2025, https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/hazard-prevention. 20 S. Folkard and D. A. Lombardi, “Modeling the Impact of the Components of Long Work Hours on Injuries and “Accidents,” American Journal of Industrial Medicine 49, no. 11 (2006): 953–963.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 53