April 21, 2025
The HMS Plan is a mandatory document for all Norwegian companies, regardless of industry. It is a comprehensive plan for managing health, environment, and workplace safety, aiming to prevent accidents, minimize risks, and promote healthy working conditions.More on HMS-plan in our article here.
An HMS Plan is mandatory for all companies in Norway that employ workers. This applies to construction businesses, offices, retail stores, and other commercial activities.
The SHA Plan specifically applies to construction projects and is required under Norwegian construction law (Byggherreforskriften). This plan focuses on identifying and managing risks related to a particular construction project. The responsibility for the SHA Plan falls on the project owner (byggherre), who must ensure a safe working environment on-site.
An SHA Plan is mandatory for all construction projects that involve more than one contractor or entail increased risks (e.g., working at heights, excavation work, or working in confined spaces).
While the HMS Plan is a general document addressing workplace safety in daily business operations, the SHA Plan focuses on hazards and risks related to a specific construction project. Preparing both plans is essential to ensuring workplace safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.
Failure to comply with legal requirements regarding HMS and SHA plans can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to properly prepare these documents and regularly update them in accordance with current regulations.
HMS Plan – General Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
The HMS Plan is a mandatory document for all Norwegian companies, regardless of industry. It is a comprehensive plan for managing health, environment, and workplace safety, aiming to prevent accidents, minimize risks, and promote healthy working conditions.
Key Components of an HMS Plan:
- Risk assessment related to the company’s daily operations.
- Procedures for responding to accidents and emergencies.
- Health and safety regulations applicable to all employees.
- A system for safety training.
- Regular workplace inspections and reviews.
When Is an HMS Plan Required?
An HMS Plan is mandatory for all companies in Norway that employ workers. This applies to construction businesses, offices, retail stores, and other commercial activities.
SHA Plan – Safety on Construction Sites
The SHA Plan specifically applies to construction projects and is required under Norwegian construction law (Byggherreforskriften). This plan focuses on identifying and managing risks related to a particular construction project. The responsibility for the SHA Plan falls on the project owner (byggherre), who must ensure a safe working environment on-site.
Key Components of an SHA Plan:
- Identification of potential hazards at each stage of construction.
- Measures to prevent accidents related to working at heights, excavations, and handling heavy machinery.
- Coordination guidelines for different contractors working on the project.
- Emergency procedures tailored to the specific construction site.
When Is an SHA Plan Required?
An SHA Plan is mandatory for all construction projects that involve more than one contractor or entail increased risks (e.g., working at heights, excavation work, or working in confined spaces).
Conclusion
While the HMS Plan is a general document addressing workplace safety in daily business operations, the SHA Plan focuses on hazards and risks related to a specific construction project. Preparing both plans is essential to ensuring workplace safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.
Failure to comply with legal requirements regarding HMS and SHA plans can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to properly prepare these documents and regularly update them in accordance with current regulations.
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