Are Your Safe Systems Truly Keeping Your People Safe?
Ian Pemberton
Managing Director at Human Focus ? Chartered Ergonomist ? Author of "Achieving Health & Safety Training Success" ? Globally Trusted Authority on Workplace Safety Training and Behavior Change
Have you ever wondered, “Do my people actually understand our safe systems of work (SSOW)?”
I ask because I’ve seen it too often—organisations ticking the compliance box with detailed procedures but missing the bigger picture. Let me start by saying this: standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential. They provide the foundation for safe systems of work. But here’s the thing—procedures alone aren’t enough.
Let me share a story.
I was interviewing an experienced civil aviation pilot undertaking research into this area.? We were discussing how he approached critical decisions during take-off and landing. As we went through one particular SOP it said —“If abnormalities exist, Captain decides and initiates Rejected Takeoff”—I asked him to explain how he actually makes that decision in practice.
His response illustrated exactly what I’ve been teaching for years. He explained that while the procedure is a vital anchor, what truly makes it work is his ability to rapidly assess the situation, recognise patterns, and decide what to do—all in a matter of seconds.
“It’s not just about following steps,” he said. “It’s also knowing how to apply them when things don’t go exactly to plan.”
This conversation reinforced a principle I often emphasise: procedures are essential, but they must be paired with robust competency frameworks to create a truly effective system. Think of it this way—your documentation represents ‘work as imagined’ (WAI), the way you believe tasks are carried out. But reality is often very different. ‘Work as done’ (WAD) reflects what actually happens on the ground, and it requires your people to have the right expertise and judgment to bring your procedures to life.
The aviation industry does this exceptionally well. Pilots don’t just memorise SOPs—they train intensively to develop the skills and judgment needed to adapt those procedures to real-world scenarios.
Now think about your organisation.
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This balance between clear procedures and practical competencies is what sets apart a system that looks safe on paper, from one that truly keeps people safe.
That’s why I’m hosting a free webinar on February 19, 2025, at 2 PM BST, to explore how we can build safer systems together. Here’s what we’ll cover:
If you’ve ever found yourself asking:
…then this webinar is for you!
Let’s move beyond paperwork, and create safe systems of work that truly keep your people safe. I’d love for you to join me and explore how to balance clear procedures with the competencies needed to bring them to life.
See you there!
Director at seward engineering limited
1 个月I like your willingness to look beyond the box ticking processes that make management feel cosy. Training as it's often done to support safe systems etc. but again can just be to comply with legal obligations. The aviation industry, by which you imply pilots I think, gets it's traditions from military roots. I think it can also be compared to farming in that operations have to become 'second nature' and many activities are almost subliminal where actions and reactions are more akin to those of a sportsman. Observation skills, muscle memory quick reactions and remaining physically equipped for the task?