Safe Work Procedure Template (SWP): Word, Excel, PDF functions
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What is a Safe Work Procedure Template?
A Safe Work Procedure documents the risk associated with work tasks in a workplace. It provides step-by-step and detailed instructions how to perform them safely and correctly to reduce the likelihood of accidents, and to maintain compliance with the safety regulations.
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Why use a Safe Work Procedure?
A significant number of the tasks performed on site carry one or more risks. Some of the risks associated with large tasks and machinery may be obvious, while other every day task risks may be less obvious but equally problematic and dangerous if not addressed properly. In order to make people aware and cognisant of the risk associated with performing specific tasks - and in order to remove the natural autopilot and bad habit traps that (most) people fall into when performing their jobs - we fill out safe work procedures.
Here are obvious ways where you and your team need a proper and effective Safe Work Procedure:
- If you deal with high-risk or repetitive tasks like heavy machinery, electrical works, working at heights, handling hazardous materials, then you need clear procedures laid out in a structured Safe Work Procedure to prevent serious incidents
- If you want to be prepared for emergency situations, then well-documented procedures for medical emergencies, fire hazards, and more by using a Safe Work Procedure keeps your workplace safe
- If you want to keep your workplace meet the safety standards, and you don't want to suffer the legal risks involving employee negligence, then use a well-structured Safe Work Procedure that aligns with the safety regulations you're following
What should be included in a Safe Work Procedure Template?
A Safe Work Procedure contains key elements that help you maintain the effectiveness in mitigating risks, ensure clarity among workers regarding procedures, and maintain compliance. Some regulatory frameworks have actually set the framework, so they may vary depending on region. Like in the United States, they follow the regulations under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); for in Canada, they follow the Canadian Standards Association (CSA); for Australia, they follow the Safe Work Australia guidelines, and; for the UK, it's the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Even though they may vary depending on the region/country, the core elements actually remain consistent and there isn't a strict universal structure. Here are the common contents in a Safe Work Procedure:
- Basic details like the title, purpose, scope, applicability, and responsibilities. It's important to set these for everyone to know the intended purpose of the SWP and for the duty-holders to know their responsibilities as written under the SWP.
- Hazard identification and risk assessment section – which simple is a list of the potential hazards, risks, along with their recommended control measures
- PPE, tools, equipment, and materials involved
- The actual safe work procedure which details how to safely complete tasks, and emergency procedures in case of accident
- List of qualification, certifications, and training workers are required to have before performing the tasks
Who needs reliable SWPs?
Workers who work in high-risk industries like the construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and agriculture industries need reliable Safe Work Procedures, including managers, health and safety officers, contractors, business owners, and inspectors/regulatory bodies.
Safe work procedures are most effective and most useful for workers on site when they are created alongside the workers who understand the practical steps required to perform the task, and what is reasonable and unreasonable when it comes to every day operation. Speak with workers about their tasks; consider the risks; and determine the consequences if the risk is not actively managed. If they're involved in identifying the hazards and creating solutions for their own betterment, then they're likely going to follow the procedures.
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This Safe Work Procedure was generated with Dashpivot
A digital Safe Work Procedure is just what high-risk industries need to maintain compliance and effectiveness in mitigating risks.
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