Construction safety is a top priority, but with various safety documents out there, it can get confusing. Two key plans you’ll come across are safety plans and HASPs (Health and Safety Plans). Although they often appear similar on the surface, these documents serve different functions and apply to different scenarios.
In this post, we’ll break down the safety plan vs HASP differences. By the end, you’ll know exactly which plan your project needs.
Start with the CH&S Manual
The Corporate Health and Safety (CH&S) Manual acts as a reference point for your company’s overall approach to workplace safety. The CH&S outlines the following:
- Who is responsible for various elements of the safety program
- What protocols must be followed
- How company-wide policies align with government regulations
This manual typically spans dozens or even hundreds of pages. It applies across your entire organization rather than to a specific job site. That means you wouldn’t bring this out daily during site work, but your project safety documents often pull from its contents.
Move to the HASP
The Health and Safety Plan, or HASP, addresses safety needs for a specific project. It identifies the location, outlines known hazards, and explains how your team will reduce those risks. It also includes local emergency contact info and site-specific procedures.
You’ll usually need a HASP when working on a site with chemical exposure, contaminated materials, or similar risks. These situations call for extra detail, and the HASP gives you a way to show that you’ve addressed those risks.
You should update the HASP anytime site conditions or phases of work change. That keeps your safety approach current and relevant.
What Is a Safety Plan?
On most large construction jobs in NYC, the Department of Buildings (DOB) requires a Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP). Like the HASP, this plan applies to one job site. It usually covers general physical hazards such as fall protection, scaffolding, or fire safety.
In some cases, people use the terms “HASP” and “safety plan” interchangeably. But keep in mind: if your site involves environmental risks or hazardous substances, a basic safety plan won’t cover what you need.
Connecting the Dots Between CH&S, HASP, and SSSP
Although each document has its focus, they all connect. Your CH&S Manual sets the framework for safety expectations across the company. The HASP and SSSP bring those policies to life by applying them to a single location.
In most cases, your HASP or safety plan will borrow from the CH&S Manual. For instance, emergency response protocols or training procedures may come directly from that foundational document. The difference is that the project-level plan adds job-specific names, contacts, maps, and hazard information.
What Should a HASP Include?
A complete and up-to-date HASP should include the following:
- Project name, address, and identification number
- Site-specific risk assessments
- Emergency contact details, including local fire, police, and hospitals
- Roles and responsibilities of on-site personnel
- Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Exposure control methods
- Emergency response and evacuation procedures
- Site access rules and control zones
- Monitoring and reporting requirements
This information must be reviewed and revised regularly, especially when the job site changes in scope or personnel.
How Does the DOB Requirement Fit In?
The DOB has its own checklist for safety plans. These often include fire safety details, sidewalk protections, safety training records, and hazard communication steps.
Even if your client wants a HASP, you may still need to submit a separate plan that meets DOB rules. Aligning your documents with regulatory compliance standards from city and federal agencies helps avoid project delays and inspection issues.
Which Document Do You Need?
Here’s a quick guide to help clarify:
- Use a CH&S Manual to define your company-wide safety policies.
- Prepare a HASP if your site involves chemical exposure, environmental cleanup, or hazardous materials.
- Submit a Site-Specific Safety Plan if required by the DOB or if your client demands one for standard construction hazards.
- If you’re dealing with environmental and physical hazards, you may need elements from each type of document.
How Menotti Enterprise Supports Your Project
At Menotti Enterprise, we’ve worked with top-tier projects across New York City. Our team knows what regulators, clients, and contractors look for in a safety plan.
We can help you:
- Build or revise your CH&S Manual
- Create job-specific HASPs or SSSPs
- Provide on-site safety staffing
- Pass DOB and OSHA inspections
- Meet client safety requirements
We don’t use templates. We create project-ready plans that reflect your site, your crew, and your schedule.
What Does This Mean for Your Next Job?
Understanding the safety plan vs HASP differences helps you prepare for what your site requires. Choosing the correct document lets your team follow the right safety steps, maintain clear communication, and stay aligned with site expectations.
Each project brings its risks. When you match the document to the job, you reduce the risk of a safety incident, missed requirement, or failed inspection.
If you’re unclear which section of the CH&S Manual applies to your job or how to implement an updated HASP, you’re not alone. These challenges come up often across NYC job sites.
Menotti Enterprise works with builders and contractors to simplify this process. Our team knows how to align your plans with DOB, OSHA, and client expectations while keeping your timeline on track.
Contact us if you need help building the right plan for your next project.
