What is Safe Systems Of Work and How To Develop SSOW

In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, ensuring safety is more crucial than ever. This blog post sheds light on the concept of Safe Systems Of Work (SSOW) – an essential framework for managing potential hazards and reducing the risks in various work environments. From construction sites to corporate offices, SSOWs play a pivotal role in ensuring that all operations are carried out safely, protecting employees and employers.

But what exactly does SSOW entail, and how can we effectively develop such systems? In this comprehensive guide, we will unfold the layers of SSOW, helping you understand its importance, core components, and roles of different stakeholders, and, most importantly, guiding you on developing a robust SSOW. Regardless of your industry, creating and maintaining a safe work environment should always be a priority, and understanding SSOW is the first step in this journey. Let’s delve in and explore how to make safety a standard, not an afterthought.

What is a Safe System of Work?

A system of work is a set of procedures according to which work must be carried out. Safe systems of work are required where hazards cannot be eliminated and some risk still exists. When developing your safe systems of work, consider how the work is carried out and the difficulties that might arise and expose you or your workers to risk. Then develop procedures detailing how the work must be done to minimize or reduce the risk of accident or injury.

Systems of work must be communicated and understood by the relevant employees. The detail of the system of work, for example, whether oral or written, will depend on the level of risk and the complexity of the work involved. For example, high-risk activities with a risk of serious injury or death must have documented systems of work that are strictly supervised and enforced.

The importance of safe systems of work stems from the recognition that most accidents are caused by a combination of factors (plant, substances, lack of training and/or supervision, etc.). Hence prevention must be based on an integral approach and not one which only deals with each factor in isolation. The adoption of a safe system of work provides this integral approach because of an effective, safe system:

• It is based on looking at the job as a whole;
• Starts from an analysis of all foreseeable hazards, for example, physical, chemical, and health;
• Brings together all the necessary precautions, including design, physical precautions, training, monitoring, procedures, and PPE.

It follows from this that the use of safe systems of work is in no way a replacement for other precautions, such as good equipment design, safe construction, and physical safeguards. However, there are many situations where these will not give adequate protection in themselves, and then a carefully thought-out and properly implemented safe work system is especially important. The best example is maintenance and repair work, which will often involve, as a first stage, dismantling the guard or breaking through the containment, which exists for the protection of the ordinary process operator. A permit-to-work procedure will be the most appropriate type of safe work system in some of these operations. The operations covered may be simple or complex, routine or unusual.

Whether the system is verbal or written, and its operation is simple or complex, routine or unusual, the essential features are forethought and planning – to ensure that all foreseeable hazards are identified and controlled. In particular, this will involve scrutiny of the following:

• The sequence of operations to be carried out;
• The equipment, plant, machinery, and tools involved;
• Chemicals and other substances to which people might be exposed in the course of the work;
• The people doing the work – their skill and experience;
• Foreseeable hazards (health, safety, environment), whether to the people doing the work or to others who might be affected by it;
• Practical precautions which, when adopted, will eliminate or minimize these hazards;
• The training needs of those who will manage and operate under the procedure;
• Monitoring systems to ensure that the defined precautions are implemented effectively.

Key action points to consider in relation to safe systems of work

• Ensure the person(s) that develops a safe system of work is competent, i.e., they have appropriate knowledge, experience, and training so they properly understand the work activity being analyzed.
• Have the competent person(s) work with those employees that will be doing the work/completing the task; This is critical as it should enable the employees to provide information about the practical knowledge and skills required to do the work/complete the task and gain a better understanding of the hazards and risks and how the safe system will minimize those risks.
• Identify and characterize all significant and foreseeable hazards (based on valid risk assessments), analyze and evaluate those hazards, and then determine the appropriate options for controlling the risks. In developing a safe system of work, it’s important to consider the following:
  People – who is it for?
  Equipment – the type of plant and equipment involved and any safety equipment that may be required, for example.
  Materials – what materials might be used and handled during the work?
  Environment – in what environment (concerning elements like space, lighting, temperature, etc.) will the work take place? Technical/engineering, procedural and behavioral controls.
• Ensure that the safe systems of work are integrated within a well-defined health and safety management system that implements the organization and arrangements set out in the health and safety policy.
• Incorporate the safe systems of work into written safe operating procedures (or job safety or work instructions, for example). They may be expressed as documented safety rules for simple and low risks.
• Communicate the safe systems of work properly and support them by providing instruction and formal training (which should be recorded, preferably alongside signed acknowledgment), with regular competency tests where appropriate.
• Arrange supervision and monitoring of safe systems of work to uphold compliance.
• Review safe work systems regularly or whenever changes relate to the work activity.

Developing a safe systems of work

Developing a Safe System of Work (SSOW) is a systematic process that requires careful analysis, planning, and implementation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create an effective SSOW:

Step 1: Assessing the task

To determine where safe systems of work need to be developed, you should start by assessing your organization’s operations.

A safe system of work should be based on a thorough assessment of the task the system is to cover, so all aspects of a particular task/job must be examined and put into writing to ensure that no task elements are overlooked.

• What is used (plant and equipment, substances, machinery, electrical sources);
• Potential error sources (possible human error, shortcuts, equipment failure);
• Where the task is carried out (the working environment and its protection needs); and
• How the task is carried out (procedures, task frequency, training needs).

This assessment should be done by supervisory staff with input from workers with detailed knowledge of the activity. That way, the work system is effective, practical, and safe, and supervisors’ assumptions about work methods don’t differ from reality. Also, consulting with workers exposed to risks (either directly or indirectly) is a legal requirement.

Workers may also be best positioned to help prepare a safe work system.

Step 2: Hazard identification and risk assessment

The law requires employers to conduct a ‘suitable and sufficient assessment of all risks to which employees and others may be exposed. So, once you have produced a detailed overview of the task, the next step is to conduct a risk assessment. This involves listing the task’s elements, and for each element:

• Identifying possible causes of harm;
• Evaluating the likelihood of that harm occurring given the safeguards you have in place; and
• Further safeguarding measures were necessary to reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable.

The exact method of analysis you adopt depends on the nature of the task/job or operation.

• If what is being considered involves high loss potential, then formal hazard analysis techniques such as a hazard and operability (HAZOP) study, fault tree analysis (FTA), or failure modes and effects analysis should be considered.
• If the potential loss is lower, a simpler approach, such as job safety analysis (JSA) may be used.

Step 3: Defining safe methods

If you can’t eliminate hazards and risks, procedures must be followed to ensure a safe work method.

Instructions must be given by supervisors or managers; leaving your workers to devise their own work method isn’t a safe work system.

Different jobs will require different types of safe systems, depending on the level of risk involved. For example, a very-low risk job may just require workers to follow a simple set of safety rules or a previously agreed guide (which may or may not be in writing). On the other hand, a very high-risk job may require a formal written permit to work system.

The chosen method can be explained verbally and/or in writing. The following is a general guide to risk level and the safe system type required:

• Very high – Permit to work
• High – Written safe system or permit
• Moderate – Written safe system
• Low – Written safe system
• Very low – Verbal instruction (with written backup such as brief written safety rules)

Documented methods should, as far as possible, be written in a clear and non-technical style. It’s a good idea to present safe systems of work as easy-to-read simple summary sheets containing all the key points workers need to know to carry out the task safely. Whatever the method, a typical safe system of work template should cover the following:

• How to safely set up the task and any authorization required;
• The conditions which must be confirmed before work starts;
• The key steps of the task and the hazards to be aware of;
• The approved safe working methods, including, if appropriate, how to get to and from the task area; and
• How to dismantle/dispose of equipment or waste at the end of the task.

Step 4: Implementing the system

Safe systems of work will only be effective if properly implemented and maintained.

Training

To ensure safe systems of work are followed every time, your employees must be:

• Adequately trained in how to carry out the process correctly;
• Competent in carrying out the work safely; and
• Aware of the systems and hazards that the safe methods aim to remove/reduce.

Everyone must appreciate the need for the system and its role in preventing accidents. Particular training might therefore include:

• Why the safe system is needed;
• What is involved in the work;
• The identified hazards; and
• The precautions that have been decided.

Communication

Remember, there must be adequate communication for the system to be successful. The system’s details should be fully understood by everyone who works with it. The importance of discussing the proposed system with those who will have to work under it and those who have to supervise its operation cannot be underlined enough.

Regular reviews

Safe systems of work must be reviewed and revised regularly to take account of changed conditions or accidents. See ‘How often should SSOW be reviewed?’ for more information.

Step 5: Monitoring the system

Your system must be carried out on each and every occasion. This requires effective monitoring: regularly checking to ensure that the system remains appropriate for the task and is fully complied with. It is not enough to only check systems after an accident.

Simple questions to ask may include:

• Do workers still find the system workable?
• Are laid-down procedures being carried out?
• Are these procedures still effective?
• Have any changes required the system to be revised?

Remember, a devised system that is not followed is NOT a safe system of work. Always seek to find and fix problems.

Importantly, there must always be sufficient supervision if the system is to going to be followed and work carried out safely. The level of supervision required will depend on the particular worker’s experience, the complexity of the task, and the risks involved.

How often should SSOW be reviewed?

Safe systems of work should be reviewed at least annually to ensure:

• They reflect any changes in legislation;
• They comply with recent risk assessments;
• Any accidents, injuries or diseases are taken into account to further improve controls;
• Safer substances are considered;
• Any new or modified plant/equipment is considered;
• New working methods are used; and
• Advances in technology are taken advantage of.

Safe System Of Work Example

When working on a construction site, many potential hazards can put workers at risk of injury or death. To help ensure the safety of employees, employers should develop and implement a safe system of work.

A safe system of work is a set of procedures and policies that are designed to eliminate or minimize risks to workers. It should be customized to the specific work environment and tasks being performed.

Some elements of a safe system of work include:

• Job hazard analysis: Identifying potential hazards associated with a task and determining how to eliminate or minimize them.
• Training: Providing employees with the knowledge and skills to safely perform their jobs.
• Personal protective equipment: Selecting and using the appropriate PPE for the task.
• Safe work practices: Workers must follow procedures to safely complete a task.

By implementing a safe system of work, employers can help protect their employees from injuries, illnesses, and death.

Different Roles In Safe Systems Of Work (SSOW)

Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) requires the participation and commitment of various individuals within an organization. Each role is critical in ensuring that the system is effective and safety standards are upheld. Here’s a look at these roles:

1. Role of a competent person In a Safe System Of Work

The competent person appointed under the MHSW Regulations and/or the CDM Coordinator appointed under the CDM 2007 Regulations should assist managers in drawing up guidelines for safe work systems. This will include method statements where necessary, particularly in construction work. The competent person should prepare suitable forms and advise management on safe systems’ adequacy.

2. Role of managers In a Safe Systems Of Work

Primarily management is responsible for providing safe systems of work, as they will know how the task should be carried out.

Management is responsible for ensuring that employees are adequately trained in a specific safe system of work and are competent to carry out the work safely. Managers must provide sufficient supervision to ensure the work system is followed and the work is carried out safely. The level of supervision will depend on the experience of the particular employees concerned and the complexity and risks of the task.

When construction work is involved, principal contractors will need to monitor sub-contractors to check that they are providing suitable safe systems of work, have trained their employees, and carry out the tasks according to the safety systems.

3. Role of Employees/consultation In a Safe Systems Of Work

Many people operating a piece of machinery or a manufacturing process are in the best position to help prepare safe systems of work. Consultation with those employees who will be exposed to the risks, directly or through their representatives, is also a legal requirement. The importance of discussing the proposed system with those who will have to work under it, and those who will have to supervise its operation, cannot be emphasized enough. Employees have a responsibility to follow a safe system of work.

Analysis of Safe Systems Of Work (SSOW)

A safe system of work should be based on a thorough analysis of the job or operation to be covered by the system. The way this analysis is done will depend on the nature of the job/operation.

If the operation is a new one involving high loss potential, formal hazard analysis techniques such as hazard and operability (HAZOP) study, fault tree analysis (FTA) or failure modes and effects analysis should be considered.

However, a simpler approach, such as job safety analysis (JSA), will be sufficient where the potential for loss is lower. This will involve three key stages:

• Identification of the key steps in the job/operation – what activities will the work involve?
• Analysis and assessment of the risks associated with each stage – what could go wrong?
• Definition of the precautions or controls to be taken – what steps need to be taken to ensure the operation proceeds without danger to the people doing the work or anyone else?

The results of this analysis are then used to draw up the safe operating procedure or method statement.

controls In Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)

There are a variety of controls that can be adopted in safe systems of work. They can be split into the following three basic categories:

• Technical – these are engineering or process-type controls that engineer out or contain the hazard so that the risks are acceptable. For example, exhaust ventilation, a machine guard, dust respirator.
• Procedural ensure the work is done according to the organization’s procedure, legislation, or cultural requirements. For example, a supervisor must be involved, the induction course must be taken before the work commences, a particular type of form or a person’s signature must be obtained before proceeding, and the names of the workforce must be recorded.
• Behavioral controls require a certain standard of behavior from individuals or groups. For example, no smoking is permitted during the task, hard hats must be worn, and all lifts must be in tandem between two workers.

checklist for The Preparation of safe systems of Work (SSOW)

A checklist for use in the preparation of safe systems of work is set out as follows:

• What is the work to be done?
• What are the potential hazards?
• Is the work covered by any existing instructions or procedures?
• To what extent (if any) do these need to be modified?
• Who is to do the work?
• What are their skills and abilities – is any special training needed?
• Under whose control and supervision will the work be done?
• Will any special tools, protective clothing or equipment (e.g. breathing apparatus) be needed?
• Are they ready and available for use?
• Are the people who do the work adequately trained to use the above?
• What isolations and locking-off will be needed to do the work safely?
• Is a permit to work required for any aspect of the work?
• Will the work interfere with other activities?
• Will other activities create a hazard to the people doing the work?
• Have other departments been informed about the work, where appropriate?
• How will the people doing the work communicate with each other?
• Have possible emergencies and the action to be taken been considered?
• Should the emergency services be notified?
• What arrangements are for handing over the plant/ equipment at the end of the work? (For maintenance/ project work, etc.)
• Do the planned precautions take account of all foreseeable hazards?
• Who must be informed about or receive copies of the safe work system?
• What arrangements will ensure that the agreed system is followed and works in practice?
• What mechanism is there to ensure that the safe work system stays relevant and up-to-date?

Documentation Of Safe Systems Of Work

Safe systems of work should be properly documented. Wherever possible, they should be incorporated into normal process operating procedures. This is so that:

• Health and safety are seen as an integral part of, and not an add-on to, normal production procedures;
• The need for operators and supervisors to refer to separate manuals is minimized.

Whatever method is used, the relevant managers should sign all written systems of work to indicate approval or authorization. Version numbers should be included to quickly be verified that the most up-to-date version is in use. Records of documentation copies should be kept to amend all sets when updates and other revisions are issued.

As far as possible, systems should be written in a non-technical style and specifically designed to be as intelligible and user-friendly as possible. It may be necessary to produce simple summary sheets which contain all the key points in an easy-to-read format.

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Communication and training

People doing or supervising work must be fully aware of the laid-down safe systems. Preparing safe plans will often identify a training need that must be met before implementing the system effectively.

In addition, people should receive training in how the system operates. This applies to those directly involved in doing the work and to supervisors/managers who are to oversee it.

In particular, the training might include:

• why a safe system is needed; what is involved in the work;
• the hazards which have been identified;
• the precautions which have been decided and, in particular
• the isolations and locking-off required, and how this is to be done
• details of the permit-to-work system, if applicable
• any monitoring (e.g., air testing) which is to be done during the work or before it starts
• how to use any necessary PPE
• emergency procedures.

Monitoring Safe Systems Of Work (SSOW)

Safe work systems should be monitored to ensure they are effective in practice. This will involve:

• Reviewing and revising the systems themselves to ensure they stay up-to-date;
• Inspecting to identify how fully they are being implemented.

In practice, these two things go together, as it is likely that an outdated system will not be fully implemented by the people who are intended to operate it.

All organizations are responsible for ensuring that their safe work systems are reviewed and revised appropriately. Implementation monitoring is part of all line managers’ normal operating responsibilities and should also occur during health and safety audits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Safe Systems Of Work (SSOW) are an indispensable facet of any work environment, designed to reduce risks and ensure all stakeholders’ safety. They involve a comprehensive analysis of potential hazards, followed by developing robust procedures to mitigate those risks. Developing an SSOW requires a thorough understanding of the task and effective communication and training to ensure adherence.

While this may seem complex, its benefits are crucial for maintaining a safe work environment. Investing the time and resources to develop and review an SSOW promotes safety and increases productivity and morale among the workforce.