10-22-24 Pre-Task Planning - Best Practices

As we continue to raise the bar in our respective scopes of work, one area where we can still enhance our safety and performance is in the development of effective Pre-Task Plans (PTPs). The PTP is a critical part of our safety strategy, outlining the steps of the task, identifying potential hazards, and detailing the measures we will take to mitigate those risks before the work begins.

We encounter a wide range of PTPs daily—from well-crafted, thorough plans to those that lack attention to detail. It’s clear who puts the effort into planning their day to protect both themselves and their crews, and who doesn’t. So, which one are you?

Why is a Pre-Task Plan Important?

  1. Prevents Accidents and Injuries: The PTP helps identify risks before they escalate into problems, protecting everyone on the job.

  2. Improves Communication: It ensures that everyone on the team knows their role and responsibilities, which leads to a more coordinated effort.

  3. Boosts Efficiency: By identifying challenges and obstacles ahead of time, we reduce delays and keep productivity high.

  4. Legal Compliance: Adhering to safety procedures through PTPs ensures compliance with workplace regulations and our own Safe Work Policies & Procedures.


Key Steps in Writing an Effective Pre-Task Plan:

  1. Define the Task: Clearly describe the task at hand, including the location, timeframe, equipment needed, and the people involved. Ensure that everyone knows their specific duties and roles.

  2. Break Down the Task into Steps: List the steps of the job in the order of which they will be performed. Think about how each step leads to the next and consider any potential overlaps or dependencies.

  3. Identify Hazards: Consider all possible hazards that could occur during each step. Hazards might include working at heights, electrical exposure, heavy machinery, confined spaces, or even environmental conditions like heat, cold, or rain.

  4. Assess the Risk: Evaluate the likelihood and potential severity of each hazard. Focus on addressing the most significant risks first to prioritize safety.

  5. Implement Control Measures: For every identified hazard, provide control measures. These can include engineering controls (e.g., barriers or guards), administrative controls (e.g., job rotation), or personal protective equipment (PPE).

  6. Communicate the Plan: Discuss the PTP with your entire crew. Walk through each step and its associated hazards, making sure everyone understands the plan and their role in executing it safely.

  7. Review and Adjust: Job conditions can change, and hazards can evolve. Continuously monitor the situation, review the PTP as needed, and adjust it if new risks emerge. Always encourage feedback from your crew to ensure the plan stays relevant and effective.

Best Practices for Effective PTP’s.

  • Involve Your Team: Include your crew in the planning process. They may offer valuable insights, suggestions, or alternative methods that could improve safety or efficiency.

  • Be Specific: Vague PTPs lead to confusion and missed risks. The more detail you provide, the more effective the PTP will be in guiding safe practices.

  • Keep It Up to Date: If conditions change or new hazards arise, revise the PTP to reflect the current situation. A static plan is an unsafe plan.

  • Ensure Accountability: Assign someone on the crew to verify that the PTP is followed correctly. Having an extra set of eyes on the plan ensures that it’s put into action.


Remember This!

A Pre-Task Plan is a living document that protects the entire team by identifying and mitigating hazards before they lead to accidents. By investing time and effort into creating a thorough and accurate PTP, you play a key role in fostering a safer, more efficient work environment.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s work together to ensure that we follow each PTP and go home safe every day. Your commitment to safety makes the difference!

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