Safe Operating Procedures/Work Instructions
Tasks workers are required to perform should have documented Work Instructions.
What are Safe Operating Procedures (SOP’s) /Work Instructions
Simply put Safe Operating Procedure or Work Instructions (as they are sometimes called) documents how to perform a set tasks safely.
Why are SOP’s/Work Instructions important?
Structured procedures are not only an important way to ensure workers are undertaking their work safely and employers are maintaining a safe system of work, but they also add enormous value when it comes to ensuring a consistent product or service, which is key to running a successful business.
Improving process efficiency and safety
Our approach ensures that safety is integrated into your normal operating procedures and not something that is just tacked on. Rather it becomes a part of normal work process. Typically this is done by observing work being performed and then developing a short and practical procedure that can be easily updated.
Ideally this is then integrated into the training content for the job role to ensure that procedures are systematically communicated to workers.
Our experience
We have developed hundreds of Work Instructions across a variety of industries, which provide step by step guidance on how to perform a particular job for example, operating a machine. We observe and document each step pictorially and at the same time conduct a risk assessment to identify any hazards associated with the tasks which are then mitigated in the Work Instruction. This will include a competency assessment requiring both learner and trainer to sign off the assessment that can then be uploaded into a system as evidence of competency.
If a worker is injured or killed in the workplace, the safety authorities will request evidence that the worker was trained in the job they were required to perform, therefore Work Instructions are a critical part of any Safety System.
OUR PROCESS
What do you get?
1
Safety Audit
Our safety audits review existing safe operating procedures and work instructions to ensure they effectively integrate safety measures and meet industry standards.
2
Compliance Certificate
We assist businesses in obtaining compliance certificates by verifying that all documented work instructions align with required safety protocols.
3
Risk Scores
Our risk scores highlight gaps in your existing SOPs, helping you identify where additional safety measures or updates are needed to improve operational safety.
Still have a few questions?
Speak To A Safety Consultant
What are Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WI)?
Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WI) are detailed documents that outline the steps necessary to perform specific tasks safely and consistently.
They serve as a guide for workers, ensuring that tasks are completed in accordance with safety standards, which helps prevent workplace injuries and maintain a safe working environment.
Why are SOPs and WI important?
SOPs and Work Instructions are crucial for maintaining a safe workplace because they provide clear instructions on performing tasks safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
In Australia, there were 130,195 serious claims in 2021-22, many of which could be mitigated by proper adherence to SOPs that address specific hazards, such as those related to body stress and falls.
How do SOPs improve workplace safety and efficiency?
SOPs improve workplace safety by ensuring that all tasks are performed in a standardised manner, which reduces the likelihood of errors that could lead to accidents.
They also improve efficiency by providing clear guidelines that streamline processes, making it easier for employees to follow best practices without confusion.
With proper SOPs, businesses can minimise the frequency of serious claims, which stood at a rate of 6.5 per 1,000 workers in 2021-22.
How can Your Safety Partners assist with SOPs and Work Instructions?
Your Safety Partners can help develop and refine SOPs and Work Instructions tailored to your business needs. We conduct thorough observations of tasks, document each step with a focus on safety, and integrate these procedures into your training programs.
Our approach ensures that SOPs are not only compliant with safety regulations but also practical and easy for workers to understand and implement.
STATISTICS ABOUT INDUSTRY
SOPs and Work Instructions are vital for reducing workplace injuries and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
37%
Body stress, which can often be mitigated by proper SOPs, accounted for 37% of all serious claims in 2021-22.
23%
Falls, slips, and trips were responsible for 23% of serious claims, highlighting the need for SOPs that address these risks, particularly in industries with high rates of these incidents.
130195
With 130,195 serious claims reported, having effective SOPs and Work Instructions is crucial for businesses to ensure the safety of their employees and reduce liability risks.
Get in touch
Book your free one hour on site safety consultation
A workplace safety consultant can also ensure the owners and managers of businesses meet their safety compliance requirements. This helps protect them from compensation or legal costs.
Testimonial
Client Opinions & Review
Tyrepower has had an ongoing relationship with YSP and John Tregambe for last four years. John and the team at YSP assisted Tyrepower on a number of projects over this time, including the total updating and re-launch of the Tyrepower safety management system of our stores and offices. When you need any service, we go straight to YSP.
Michael Vassallo
Former Education and Development Manager (Tyrepower Australia and New Zealand)
Your Safety Partners are like having a team of in-house safety experts. They are extremely responsive, can support or run a complete GAP analysis, design tailored relevant solutions to suit your business quickly and then help you implement them, including training any third parties. All boxes ticked!
Karina Richter
Risk and Compliance Manager Hazeldenes