In order to create safe systems of work you need to systematically examine the hazards involved in performing a particular task or job. By doing this you create a safe working method which significantly reduces the risk of an accident in your workplace. To create safe systems of work we recommend you include the individuals who are actively involved in the task for which you are trying to create the safe working method for, this helps to accurately identify all of the hazards involved in the task and subsequently the safe systems of work are effective, practical and safe.
Below are three occupational health and safety training courses which will teach course attendees about safe systems of work and how to implement them:
Unfortunately workers do not always follow safe working practices, this is usually due to a lack of knowledge or understanding, so by involving them in the process from start to finish this helps your employees to understand why the systems and methods need to be put in place and the importance of maintaining safe systems of work.
Safe systems of work are created bespoke for each task, however the principles of creating such systems are generally the same. If you do not have the expertise in-house to create such safe systems of work we would highly recommend that you consult a trained professional health and safety consultant. This would involve a consultant coming to your premises to discuss and analyze the tasks concerned.
Your duty as an employer is to provide systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health. Components of Safe Systems of Work include:
- the organisation and co-ordination of the work of those involved
- training, instruction and supervision
- layout of plant and appliances
- methods to be used, and
- general conditions of work
The essence of current legislation is that you are expected to manage hazards with the same degree of attention and with the same allocation of resources and priorities as you manage other subjects such as quality control, industrial relations and budgetary matters. As part of management commitment to the principles, employers have a duty to establish and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe systems of work. Safe systems of work must be identified through the risk assessment process.
By creating safe working systems your environment will be a safer place for your workers and you will have piece of mind that you have eliminated as far as reasonably practicable any unnecessary risk of injury to your employees when performing their duties.