Work environment plan for construction projects – when is it required according to AFS 2023:3?
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Short answer: A written work environment plan is required for construction and civil engineering work if the project involves certain specific high-risk tasks or if the project is so extensive that prior notification is required. The plan must be prepared before the first construction or civil engineering work begins, be available at the workplace, and be updated when the project changes.
| Specific high-risk work | If any of the work involving specific risks according to the regulations needs to be performed. |
| Large project – option 1 | Longer than 30 working days and more than 20 people simultaneously at any point. |
| Large project – option 2 | The total number of person-days is calculated to be more than 500. |
| Timing | The plan must be established before the first construction or civil engineering work begins. |
Who is responsible for the work environment plan?
The developer has overall responsibility for ensuring that a work environment plan is prepared when required. The Bas-P (work environment coordinator for the planning and design phase) works on the plan during planning and design. When the project moves into the execution phase, the plan and the work environment management must be handed over to the Bas-U (work environment coordinator for the execution phase) according to the rules in AFS 2023:3.
The work environment plan is a governing document
The plan should not be a static attachment that is set aside. It must be adapted to the size, complexity, and risk level of the specific project and serve as a guide for how work environment risks are managed and how the stakeholders are coordinated.
What should the plan contain?
- organization and responsibilities for work environment management,
- common safety and conduct rules,
- project-specific risks and planned measures,
- management of specific high-risk work,
- coordination between contractors and other stakeholders,
- procedures for updates, deviations, and changes,
- information required when other activities are taking place on-site simultaneously.
Examples of specific risks
Risks may include falls from heights, excavation, demolition, work near high-voltage lines, blasting, or other situations where the regulations require special measures. The risks must be described based on the actual project, not just as a general list.
The plan must be kept up to date
AFS 2023:3 requires the work environment plan to be developed and updated as new information becomes known, the design is altered, or production planning changes. It must also be easily accessible to those working at the construction site.
Risk of sanctions
The regulations include sanction fees if a required work environment plan has not been established in time. This is another reason to make the work environment plan an active part of project management.
Work Environment Plan 2026/2027 for construction and civil engineering
The template package is designed for AFS 2023:3 and helps the developer, Bas-P, and Bas-U to document responsibilities, risks, safety rules, and follow-ups.
FAQ
Is a work environment plan required in all construction projects?
No. The requirement depends on whether the project involves specific high-risk work or reaches the thresholds for size specified in AFS 2023:3.
Can the plan be digital?
Yes. The regulations state that it must be available at the construction site in paper format or digitally.
Who updates the plan during the construction phase?
Responsibility shifts between planning and execution. Bas-P and Bas-U have key roles, while the developer has overall responsibility according to the regulations.
This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice. Regulations, collective agreements, industry conditions, and the circumstances of each individual case may affect the assessment.
