When should safety problems in a newly constructed building have been discovered and corrected?

Identifying and addressing safety problems in a newly constructed building should ideally take place during the review of the building design plans. This phase is crucial because it allows safety professionals, architects, and engineers to assess potential hazards and compliance with safety standards before any physical work begins. By pinpointing issues in the design stage, it's possible to make necessary adjustments that not only enhance safety but can also reduce costs associated with retrofitting or making changes after construction.

Early identification of safety concerns ensures that appropriate materials, structural integrity, and safety measures are integrated into the design, promoting a safe environment from the outset. This proactive approach helps mitigate risks that could affect occupants, emergency responders, and the building itself. The later stages of the construction process, such as the final inspection or post-occupancy assessments, could potentially overlook issues that could have been resolved earlier, thus reinforcing the importance of the design review step.