I started time outs with ODS at about 18 months. We redirected him before that. Just recently, I have started consequences with him at about 3. Now, if he gives me a hard time about brushing his teeth, I put a toy in "time out" until the next day.
Ds has gotten 2 time outs at daycare in the last month, at 23 months. We haven't *yet* had to do any punishment at home since he quickly stops (throwing a heavy toy, biting) when we firmly tell him No, fixes what he did or cleans messes he made (although those things are usually accidents). He's not of the "strong willed" variety.
Probably since about 16 months at home (and earlier at daycare I suspect) we've had him help with tidying up messes, and we've always corrected/redirected undesirable behaviour (gentle hands with the cats, no you can't play with knives, use your nice voice).