It is a systematic approach to safety that involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures. 

Principles of the safe system of work approach: 

• Hazard identification: Identify hazards associated with the task or activity. Consider the physical environment, the equipment being used, and the tasks that need to be performed. 
• Risk assessment: Assess the risks. This involves considering the likelihood of an injury occurring and the severity of the injury should it occur. 

• Control measures: Control measures need to be implemented to reduce the risk of injury. This may involve modifying the task, the environment, or the equipment. 
• Communication: This safe system of work must be communicated to all employees who are involved in the task or work activity. This will ensure that everyone is aware of the hazards and the control measures which need to be followed. 
• Monitoring and review: Monitor and review the safe system of work on a regular basis to ensure that it is still effective. This may involve repeating the hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measure implementation steps. 

Additional benefits of using a safe system of work: 

• Reduced costs: By reducing the number of injuries, employers can save money on medical expenses, lost productivity, and workers’ compensation claims. 

• Improved morale: Employees who feel safe at work are more likely to be productive and feel job satisfaction. 
• Enhanced reputation: Employers who have a strong commitment to safety are seen as more responsible and trustworthy by their customers, suppliers, and investors. 

Tips for implementing a safe system of work: 

• Get everyone involved: This ensures that everyone has a stake in the success of the system and is more likely to follow the procedures. 
• Keep it simple: Complex procedures are more likely to be ignored or forgotten. 

• Make it visual: Use pictures, diagrams, and other visual aids to help employees understand the safe system of work. 
• Provide training: Employees need to be trained in how to follow the procedures. This training should be ongoing to ensure that everyone is up-to-date on the latest changes. 
• Monitor and review: The safe system of work should be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that it is still effective. This may involve repeating the hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measure implementation steps. 

By following these tips, employers can implement a safe system of work that will help to reduce the risk of injury in their workplace. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for workplace safety inspection creation and report pertaining to the work activity 
• eLearning on a multitude of work activities, to ensure operatives follow a safe system of work where applicable 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Management system to document control the policy on following safe working procedures 
• Method Statement module for the creation of safe system of work / instructions 

• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on following safe work procedures 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving unsafe operation both with an app and also via desktop 
• Hazard observation app that staff can report and record any concerns regarding the system of work or the work procedures to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software