Silver Spring, MD — Researchers from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training have developed comprehensive guidelines intended to make pre-task planning more effective and consistent.
In an effort to address the lack of guidance for the design and implementation of pre-task planning in the construction industry, the researchers interviewed 28 safety and health professionals and 104 workers. They also observed seven onsite pre-task planning sessions.
The team identified inconsistent terminology and implementation practices, which can result in worker confusion, unaddressed hazards and conflicts between trades.
The researchers then developed what they say is a practical, easy-to-use checklist tool to help contractors assess and consistently approve pre-task planning processes. They note that regular updates and continuous improvement – including a feedback loop – can help accurately reflect jobsite conditions.
Other recommendations:
- Contractors should implement visual aids; discuss real-life incidents; and provide information on tools, materials and schedules to enhance pre-task planning quality and prevent worker complacency.
- Management should actively solicit and incorporate worker feedback, allow employees to lead pre-task planning meetings, and involve them in development and implementation.
- Pre-task planning should include a crew’s immediate tasks, in addition to other trades’ scopes, potential clashes and hazards that their activities pose.
- To ensure proper completion, assess whether controls functioned as expected, discuss changes and hazards that emerged during a shift, and conduct post-task debriefing sessions.
The study was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
