What is a safe work procedure?
A safe work procedure (SWP) is a written, step-by-step description of how to do a specific task safely. It names the hazards, the controls that protect the worker, and the order of the work. In BC, a formal health and safety program must include "appropriate written instructions, available for reference by all workers" (OHS Regulation, section 3.3). Safe work procedures are how most employers meet that expectation for hazardous tasks.
Step 1: Pick the task from your hazard assessment
Start with tasks your hazard identification flags as moderate or high risk, plus tasks that are complex, done rarely, or done by new workers. One procedure should cover one task, such as "Clearing a jam on Packaging Line 2", not "Line 2 operations".
Step 2: Involve the people who do the work
Ask an experienced worker to walk through the task and explain each step. Bring in the supervisor and your joint health and safety committee or worker representative. Worker involvement makes procedures more accurate, and COR auditors check for it.
Tip: film the walk-through on a phone. With SOP365, the video becomes the first draft of the written procedure.
Step 3: List the hazards and controls
For each step, write down what could hurt someone and how the risk is controlled. Follow the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE.
Step 4: Note the PPE, tools and training required
List the required PPE, tools, materials, permits and any training or certification the worker must have before starting, such as forklift certification or lockout training.
Step 5: Write the steps in order
- Use short sentences that start with a verb: "Press the stop button", "Apply your personal lock".
- Write one action per step, and put warnings before the step they apply to.
- Add a photo for any step where the location or position matters.
- Include what to do if something goes wrong, such as a jam, spill or alarm.
Step 6: Review, approve and date it
Have the supervisor or safety lead check the procedure against the Regulation, the manufacturer's instructions and your hazard assessment. Record who approved it and when, and give it a version number.
Step 7: Train workers and review regularly
Walk each worker through the procedure, confirm they understand it, and keep a record. Review the procedure when equipment, materials or tasks change, after an incident, and on a regular schedule.
Safe work procedure checklist
| Section | Included? |
|---|---|
| Task name, location, equipment | ☐ |
| Hazards and controls for each step | ☐ |
| PPE, tools and required training | ☐ |
| Numbered steps with photos where needed | ☐ |
| Emergency or abnormal situations | ☐ |
| Approver, date and version | ☐ |
| Worker training record | ☐ |
General information only, not legal advice. Check current requirements at worksafebc.com.
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