They are important for protecting workers from injury and illness, and for ensuring that work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner. 

There are five key steps to developing a safe system of work: 

• Assess the task. 
• Identify the hazards. 

• Define safe methods. 
• Implement the system. 
• Monitor the system. 

Step 1: Assess the task 

The first step is to assess the task that needs to be done. This involves identifying all the steps involved in the task, as well as the equipment and materials that will be used. It is also important to consider the people who will be carrying out the task, and their level of skill and experience. 

Step 2: Identify the hazards 

The next step is to identify any hazards that may be present. Hazards can be anything that has the potential to cause harm, such as physical hazards (e.g., sharp objects, moving machinery), chemical hazards (e.g., toxic substances, fumes), biological hazards (e.g., bacteria, viruses), and ergonomic hazards (e.g., repetitive tasks, awkward postures). 

Step 3: Define safe methods 

Once the hazards have been identified, the next step is to define safe methods for carrying out the task. This involves identifying ways to eliminate or minimise the risks associated with each hazard. For example, if there is a risk of being struck by falling objects, a safe method may involve wearing a hard hat and working in an area where there is overhead protection. 

Step 4: Implement the system 

Once the safe methods have been defined, the next step is to implement the system. This involves training workers on the safe methods and providing them with the necessary equipment and resources. It is also important to communicate the system to all relevant stakeholders, such as contractors and visitors. 

Step 5: Monitor the system 

The final step is to monitor the system to ensure that it is effective and that workers are following the safe methods. This can be done through observation, audits, and feedback from workers. It is vital to review the system regularly to ensure that it is up-to-date and that it reflects any changes in the workplace or in the tasks that are being carried out. 

Tips for developing a safe system of work 

• Involve workers in the process. Workers are the ones who will be carrying out the task, so it is important to involve them in the process of developing the safe system of work. This will help to ensure that the system is practical and that it is tailored to the specific needs of the workplace. 

• Use a risk assessment process. A risk assessment process will help you to identify all the hazards associated with the task, and to assess the risks associated with each hazard. This information can then be used to develop safe methods for carrying out the task. 
• Develop clear and concise procedures. The safe system of work procedures should be written in a clear and concise manner that is easy to understand. They should also be specific to the task and to the workplace. 
• Provide training to workers. Workers need to be trained on the safe system of work procedures before they can be expected to follow them. The training should be tailored to the specific needs of the workers, and it should be provided in a clear and concise manner. 
• Monitor and review the system regularly. The safe system of work should be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure that it is effective and up to date. This can be done through observation, audits, and feedback from workers. 

In addition to the five steps outlined above, there are several other things to consider when developing a safe system of work. These include: 

• The hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy of controls is a framework for prioritising risk control measures. The most effective risk control measures are those that eliminate the hazard at source. Less effective risk control measures include engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Consultation and communication. It is important to consult with workers and other relevant stakeholders when developing a safe system of work. This will help to ensure that the system is practical and that it is tailored to the specific needs of the workplace. It is also important to communicate the safe system of work to all relevant stakeholders. 
• Continuous Improvement 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a wide range of EHS topics 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering a wide range of work activities 
• Management system to document control the policy on implementing safe systems of work 

• Method Statement module for the creation of work activity working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on safe systems of work 
• Incident investigation module that tracks EHS incidents both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding the system of work to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software