What is Safe System of Work (SSoW)?
A Safe System of Work (commonly referred to as SSoW) is a formalized set of procedures designed to ensure that work is carried out safely and without risk to health. It encompasses the planning, organization, control, monitoring, and review of health and safety measures in the workplace. In offshore environments, where hazards are heightened by isolation, weather, and complex operations, an effective SSoW is not just a regulatory requirement, but an operational safety necessity.
“A system of work is a set of procedures according to which work must be carried out. Safe systems of work are required where hazards cannot be eliminated, and some risk still exists.”
- HSA (Health and Safety Authority)
A SSoW provides a structured framework for identifying risks, implementing controls, and communicating responsibilities. It ensures that every task, especially high-risk activities, is assessed and executed with safety at the forefront. This includes everything from permit-to-work systems and risk assessments to toolbox talks and competency checks. Without a thorough SSoW, offshore projects are vulnerable to incidents that can lead to injury, environmental harm, and costly delays.
SSoW programs integrate people, processes, and digital tools to create a culture of safety and accountability. When implemented effectively, they reduce the likelihood of human error, improve compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and increase overall safety for workers. SeaPlanner supports this by digitising and centralising SSoW processes, making it easier to manage permits, track training, and ensure that safety protocols are followed consistently across teams and contractors.
The key to a successful Safe System of Work lies in early adoption and team-wide alignment. When all stakeholders, from onshore planners to offshore technicians, understand and commit to the system, safety becomes proactive rather than reactive. With SeaPlanner, offshore teams gain the visibility and control needed to maintain a safe, compliant, and productive work environment for all.
What is an iSSow?
An Integrated Safe System of Work (iSSoW) is a digital evolution of Safe Systems of Work, designed to unify and streamline these critical safety processes. Unlike standalone or paper-based SSoW systems, an iSSoW connects with other operational platforms (such as workforce management and asset tracking) to provide real-time visibility and control.
“An SSoW can either be paper-based or digital, but an iSSoW means it talks to other parts of the systems so that it's not siloed; it integrates across all of your different applications.”
-Amanda Forbes, Senior Product Manager at SeaPlanner
An iSSoW centralises:
- Permits to Work (PTW), linking directly to location, personnel, and task data for real-time visibility
- Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) to ensure hazards are identified and mitigated before work begins
- Transfer of Control (TOC) features that enable seamless, traceable handovers between companies or packages
- Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) coordination by providing visibility of them across assets or zones, helping prevent conflicts and ensure safe scheduling
- Audit trails and compliance reporting are automatically logged, capturing actions, approvals, and changes to support both regulatory compliance and internal reviews
By connecting safety-critical processes, an iSSoW reduces manual input and duplication, helping to minimise human error and free up time for frontline teams. iSSoW platforms like SeaPlanner support compliance with industry standards such as HSG250 and the Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSR), offering built-in alignment and oversight tools.
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Why a Safe System of Work?
A Safe System of Work (SSoW) is a risk mitigation framework used to formalise task planning, ensure procedural safety, and maintain compliance across offshore operations.
SSoW helps offshore operations managers:
- Improve project ROI through safer, more efficient task execution
- Reduce schedule variance and increase task completion rates
- Strengthen compliance with safety standards and reduce incident rates
SSoW achieves this by centralising permits, risk assessments, and safety protocols into a single, structured process. It eliminates ambiguity around roles and responsibilities, streamlines communication between teams, and ensures that safety-critical tasks are carried out consistently. In high-risk environments, where delays and incidents directly impact cost performance and KPIs like completion rate and safety observations, SSoW provides the clarity and control needed to keep operations on track.
Safe System of Work Benefits
Implementing a Safe System of Work (SSoW) brings measurable improvements to offshore operations by enhancing safety, boosting efficiency, and supporting regulatory compliance.
Enhanced Safety
SSoW helps identify hazards, risks, and simultaneous operations before work begins. This proactive approach improves decision-making, promotes accountability, and reduces the likelihood of incidents.
Increased Efficiency
By automating safety protocols, workflows, and access controls, SSoW reduces administrative overhead and frees up time for teams to focus on critical tasks. It streamlines operations without compromising safety.
Regulatory Compliance
An integrated SSoW system supports alignment with industry best practices and regulatory frameworks, including HSG250 and WTSR. Built-in reporting and audit trail features make it easier to demonstrate compliance and maintain high standards.
Stakeholder Benefits
We know the benefits a Safe System of Work brings to the overall project, but what about the people who make it happen day to day? Communicating the value of SSoW to individual stakeholders is key to driving adoption and ensuring teams get the full benefit of the system. Here are just a few ways SSoW benefits key offshore stakeholders:
Operations Managers
As an operations manager, you will receive the following benefits from a Safe System of Work (supported by an iSSoW):
- Improved task planning and permit coordination reduce schedule variance
- Structured workflows help teams stay on track
- Proactive hazard identification improves safety outcomes
- Built-in audit trails support regulatory standards
- Fewer disruptions help keep budgets in check
- Real-time visibility across teams and assets improves decision-making
Marine Coordinators
As a marine coordinator, you will receive the following benefits from a Safe System of Work (supported by an iSSoW):
- Linked permits and live asset data
- Integrated systems flag overlapping activities, preventing conflicts
- Digital workflows reduce delays and keep operations moving smoothly
- RAMS, isolations, and permits are accessible from anywhere
- Automatic logging of actions and approvals supports regulatory reporting
HSE Teams
As an HSE team, you will receive the following benefits from a Safe System of Work (supported by an iSSoW):
- Reduction of safety observations and incidents
- Centralised access to RAMS and safety documentation
- Automated audit trails for faster incident reviews
- Real-time tracking of safety observations and actions
- Easier alignment with HSE regulations and standards
- Improved visibility into site-wide safety performance
Safe System of Work Software (iSSoW)
If you're ready to lower incident rates, streamline safety workflows, improve compliance, and give your offshore teams the visibility they need to work safely and efficiently, then it's time to implement SeaPlanner’s integrated Safe System of Work software.
Offshore projects around the world have relied on SeaPlanner to manage safety-critical operations with confidence for over 20 years. Our iSSoW equips you with the tools and support to:
- Digitise and automate permits, RAMS, and transfer of control
- Coordinate SIMOPS and reduce scheduling conflicts
- Improve safety oversight and accountability
- Align with HSG250 and Wind Turbine Safety Rules
- Reduce manual input and human error
For a closer look at how iSSoW improves offshore safety and performance, download the SeaPlanner brochure.
To take the next step toward safer, smarter operations, see SeaPlanner in action by scheduling a custom demo today.
Safe System of Work (SSoW) Case Studies
Before investing in an iSSoW, it’s important to know whether it will deliver the value your offshore project needs.
SeaPlanner’s integrated Safe System of Work has helped offshore teams improve safety performance, reduce delays, and stay compliant in complex, high-risk environments. For real-world examples of how SeaPlanner supports safer, smarter operations, explore our latest case studies:
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SeaPlanner SSoW Helps Offshore Wind Project Stay Safe and On Schedule SeaPlanner’s Safe System of Work helped coordinate over 3,800 personnel and 73 vessels, enabling safe, efficient execution of one of the UK’s largest offshore wind projects despite pandemic challenges and complex logistics. |
“SeaPlanner’s tools have enabled us to manage operations in such an efficient and effective way that the project was completed on time and below budget”
-Tim Kittelhake, COO
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SeaPlanner RAMS
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are part of a vital element of creating a safe working environment for all.
