When you’re in the midst of a construction or civil-engineering project, risk is never far away — from working at height to heavy lifting, chemical handling or traffic on the site. That’s why having a SHA plan (Safety, Health and Work Environment Plan) is essential — a written plan that safeguards safety, health and working environment.

According to the Construction Client Regulations (Byggherreforskriften) § 7 and § 8, a plan must exist before startup that describes how the project’s risk factors will be managed.

Yet many in the industry find their plans too generic, outdated or impractical.

This article shows you what a good SHA plan should contain, why it matters — and how structured digital information and modern solutions can make it more effective and relevant.

A good plan is project-specific — not a one-size-fits-all template. Key elements:

• Organizational chart with roles, responsibilities and contract form.
• Timeline showing when and where each operation takes place.
• Description of specific measures for operations with life- or health-risk.
• Procedures for deviation handling, revisions and distribution.

Construction sites are complex environments with many players — subcontractors, shifting crews, evolving work phases. A solid plan helps to:

• Identify and prevent risks early.
• Ensure everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
• Provide documented proof of compliance with laws and standards.

An effective SHA plan is built on a thorough risk assessment. Before work begins, all activities must be evaluated for potential hazards – from working at heights to the use of machinery and chemicals. The results are documented in a risk assessment form, describing risks, preventive measures, and responsible persons. This form makes it easier to follow up on safety measures throughout the project and ensures that the plan always reflects the actual level of risk. When risk assessments are digitalized and linked to the SHA plan in systems like Cobuilder Collaborate, you gain better oversight, traceability, and real-time updates on safety actions.

Traditionally many SHA plans have been static documents “shelved” and rarely used. Modern tools turn the plan into a living asset. When material and product data is digitally structured and accessible, it becomes easier to show that products and processes comply with safety, health and environment standards.

With our solutions — Cobuilder Collaborate, Cobuilder Supply, and standardized data dictionaries (e.g., Define National Data Dictionary) — you can ensure that product data, HSE-documentation and role assignments are visible, accessible and up to date.

You thereby gain:

• Fast access to required documentation as the project evolves.
• Clear overview of who is responsible for what — and when.
• Better coordination when safety and workplace environment requirements must be fulfilled.

Thus the SHA plan is no longer just a regulatory requirement — it becomes an active management tool that strengthens safety and efficiency in the project.

A SHA plan is far more than a paper document — it’s the foundation for safety and control in construction and civil-engineering ventures. When the plan is tailored to the project, made concrete and supported by structured digital information, the probability of executing the project with high safety and strong documentation increases.