What is a prevention plan?
The prevention plan is a document that formalizes the measures taken to prevent risks related to co-activity between the personnel of a host company and that of one or more external companies operating on the same site. It is governed by articles R.4511-1 to R.4515-11 of the Labor Code.
Unlike the DUERP, which covers risks specific to the company, the prevention plan focuses on the interference risks between simultaneous activities.
Is the prevention plan always mandatory?
A written prevention plan is mandatory in two specific cases: when the operation involves more than 400 hours of work over 12 months, or when the intervention is on the list of hazardous works defined by decree (work at height, in confined spaces, asbestos exposure, etc.), regardless of its duration.
Outside of these two cases, a preliminary joint inspection remains mandatory, but a written formalization is not systematic; even though it is highly recommended for traceability and as proof in case of dispute.
What are the steps for developing a prevention plan?
Developing a prevention plan involves four stages: the preliminary joint inspection, the cross-analysis of interference risks, the definition of prevention measures, and then the monitoring of work execution.
1. The preliminary joint inspection
The head of the user company and the head of the external company jointly visit the site, identify danger zones, and define the scope of intervention. This inspection must take place before work begins.
2. Analysis of interference risks
Each activity is cross-referenced with those already present on site to identify risky situations: vehicle traffic, co-activity at height, storage of incompatible products, etc.
3. Definition of prevention measures
For each identified risk, the plan specifies the measures taken, the resources provided (PPE, demarcation, lockout/tagout), and the respective responsibilities of each company.
4. Monitoring and updating
The prevention plan must be updated if intervention conditions change during the project — a point often overlooked when the document remains in paper format, tucked away in a binder.
What should a prevention plan contain?
A comprehensive prevention plan includes at a minimum:
- The identity of the user and external company(ies), and the names of the personnel involved
- The nature and estimated duration of the work
- The result of the joint inspection and the identified risk areas
- Prevention measures per risk (interference, co-activity, machinery, hazardous products)
- Emergency resources and instructions in case of an accident
- Signatures of the responsible parties from the companies involved
Why companies are switching from paper-based prevention plans to digital ones?
A paper-based prevention plan presents three recurring problems: it is not always signed before the actual start of work, it is difficult to locate during a post-hoc inspection, and it does not allow for tracking updates during the intervention.
Digitalization via QHSE software allows for:
- Generating the prevention plan from pre-configured templates by type of intervention
- Having parties sign electronically before work begins
- Centralizing all active and archived prevention plans on a single interface, accessible for audits or labor inspection checks
- Directly linking the prevention plan to the DUERP and the register of external companies
This is one of the central use cases of the Symalean Safety module, which covers DUERP, prevention plans, and qualification tracking on a single platform.
Key takeaways
- A written prevention plan is mandatory for projects exceeding 400 hours/year or for hazardous work listed by decree.
- The preliminary joint inspection remains systematic, even below this threshold.
- The document must remain a living document: any modification during the work requires an update to the plan.
- Digitalization secures signatures before work begins and ensures traceability in case of inspection.
FAQ
Who drafts the prevention plan, the client company or the external company?
Drafting is a joint responsibility, practically managed by the client company, which is familiar with the site and existing risks.
Does a prevention plan cover multiple successive operations by the same contractor?
No, generally. A new prevention plan (or a formal update) must be established for each operation, except for strictly identical and repetitive operations covered by an annual prevention plan.
What is the difference between a prevention plan and a fire permit?
The fire permit is a specific document for hot work (welding, grinding), which can supplement (but not replace) the prevention plan.
To learn more
- Discover our complete DUERP guide for 2026 to secure your entire prevention process.
- Read our article on the changes to the standard ISO 9001 in 2026.
- Contact our team to get the prevention plan template and a demonstration of the Security module.
