How Permits to Work (PTW) enhance workplace safety by managing risks effectively.
When we think of health and safety in the workplace and how to minimise/monitor risks posed by works being undertaken, a Permit to Work (PTW) should always be one of the fundamental tools.
In addition to risk assessments, standard operating procedures and manuals a PTW is integral in supporting a safe system of work and compliance of health and safety requirements.
From an insurer’s perspective, policyholders have a duty to manage and avoid risk where possible. A well-maintained health and safety portfolio can help demonstrate that health and safety is at the forefront of the business. This in turn will help to mitigate and minimise claims on a policy which is beneficial to all parties.
What is a Permit to Work (PTW)?
What is a PTW you say? A PTW is a documented way of evidencing and ensuring that a particular job/task has been risk assessed, planned and considered. It requires those completing the PTW to have real consideration and knowledge of the job/task they are undertaking.
The PTW needs to be completed to include the following details:
- Who is undertaking the work ?
- What actually is being done?
- What are the hazard and risks?
- What controls are in place/what is going to be put into place?
- What supervision is needed? Who will be providing the supervision?
- Who is approving the work? Who signs off the work and closes off the PTW?
- What are the measures that need to be in place if something was to go wrong? What aids will be used, and what is the rescue plan?
There are usually two types of PTWs, one is for the policy holders’ employees and the second is for contractors.
A PTW is typically for the following but not limited to:
- Hot works
- Cold works
- Work at height
- Electrical maintenance
- Confined spaces
Training
Knowledge is power and therefore informative and relevant training is key to ensure that knowledge of PTWs is embedded within the workforce. Policy holders, as best practise should keep a training record. Also, aids such as flow charts and checklists are effective tools for employees to quickly and easily determine whether a PTW is needed.
Implementation
A PTW will need to be signed off by a supervisor/authoriser within the department/business. It is wise to consider who would be most appropriate to sign off the PTW. They will need to have a clear understanding and appreciation of the work being undertaken and be accessible to sign the PTW off.
It is counterproductive to train and embed the use and requirement of a PTW if there are no authorised persons to sign the PTW off. Staffing levels and placement should therefore be considered to ensure that at busy periods there is somebody around to approve and deal with a PTW if and when needed.
Audit
It is important that audits are undertaken to ensure that systems such as PTW are being completed/ followed correctly. Regular audits are pivotal when determining whether health and safety is being complied with by a policy holder.
A clear record of audits undertaken regarding PTW should be kept by policy holders. Equally, there may be instances where there is non-compliance, and it is prudent to document what has been done to address this non-compliance and how this can be avoided in the future.
Claims being presented
In summary when faced with a claim it is key that policy holders are asked to provide evidence of their health and safety practices which may feature PTW if relevant to the business.
PTW should not be considered in isolation and components addressed above should also be factored in when assessing the indemnity position.
Weightmans has a dedicated team of specialist health and safety solicitors that can advise businesses on duties and responsibilities, and in the immediate aftermath of a serious accident in the workplace.
For more information on Permits to Work, contact our health and safety solicitors.