What belongs in a site-specific safety plan
Five sections carry the weight: site and project identification, the scope of work actually performed at that location, assigned responsibilities (including the competent person by name), the hazards present at that site with the control for each, and emergency action information tied to that address — nearest medical facility, muster point, evacuation route, first aid and AED locations. A site orientation acknowledgement closes it out by proving the crew was briefed.
Why generic plans get rejected
Reviewers read the hazard and emergency sections first, because those are the ones a copy-paste plan can't fake. If the hazards listed don't match the scope, or the emergency information still names a hospital three states away, the plan comes back regardless of how complete the rest of it looks. More on making programs genuinely site-specific.
Common questions
Who has to sign it?
Typically the preparer plus everyone who receives site orientation. Keep the signed acknowledgement with the plan — it's the part that demonstrates the briefing happened.
Do I need one per site or per project?
Per site, and re-issued when the scope, crew, or conditions materially change. One plan covering several unrelated locations defeats the purpose.
Does this replace my written programs?
No — it sits on top of them. See which written programs OSHA requires for your work.