A Safe System of Work (SSoW) is a structured approach to identifying risks and implementing procedures that protect workers and assets. For project managers, HSE teams, and marine coordinators, understanding SSoW principles like HSG250, Permit to Work (PTW), and Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSR) is essential to managing hazards, authorising work, and ensuring the right PPE is used every time. In this article, we’ll explore the key components of an SSoW like SeaPlanner’s and how it supports safe offshore wind operations.
The concept of SSoW is rooted in UK health and safety legislation, particularly HSG250, which is a guidance document published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSG250 outlines how to develop and apply safe systems of work, especially in high-risk industries like offshore wind.
At its core, an SSoW aims to eliminate or control risks to health and safety through structured planning, clear communication, and documented procedures. While compliance is the ultimate intention, it’s also about creating a culture where safety is embedded in every task, from routine maintenance to complex marine operations.
A solid SSoW relies on several key elements that work together to manage risk and ensure safe execution of tasks in offshore wind environments:
This is the foundation of any SSoW. It involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and determining appropriate control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
Once risks are assessed, a method statement outlines how the work will be carried out safely. It includes step-by-step instructions, required equipment, personnel responsibilities, and safety precautions.
A PTW system formalises the control of high-risk activities, such as working at height or in confined spaces. It’s especially critical during SIMOPs (Simultaneous Operations), where multiple teams are working in close proximity and coordination is essential to avoid conflict and ensure safety.
Active supervision ensures that work is carried out as planned and that safety measures are followed. This includes the custody and transfer of control: a process that ensures responsibility for a worksite is clearly handed over between companies and packages, maintaining accountability and continuity.
Every SSoW must include clear emergency protocols that cover evacuation routes, communication plans, and rescue arrangements. Offshore environments demand fast, coordinated responses to incidents, making this component vital.
Offshore wind projects operate in some of the most challenging environments in the energy sector. Harsh weather, remote locations, and dynamic marine conditions introduce unique hazards, from vessel transfers and working at height to electrical work within confined spaces.
Preventing incidents is the core purpose of an SSoW. For example: on 5th November 2005, two subcontractors died from nitrogen asphyxiation while working on a hydro-cracking unit. One technician fell into a nitrogen-inerted reactor while retrieving tape, and the second was fatally overcome while trying to rescue him.
A rigorous SSoW including proper risk assessment, atmospheric testing, Permit to Work, and clear emergency procedures could have identified the oxygen-deficient hazard, restricted access, and ensured safe rescue protocols. This incident underscores why SSoW isn’t just a formality. It’s critical in safeguarding against preventable loss of life.
Coordinating personnel, vessels, and equipment across multiple locations and shifts makes managing safe work conditions in offshore environments even more complex. Without a structured approach like SSoW, the risk of miscommunication, procedural gaps, or conflicting operations increases significantly.
Regulatory compliance is also non-negotiable. Standards such as the Wind Turbine Safety Rules (WTSR), HSE guidance (e.g., HSG250), and ISO 45001 require clear documentation, risk control, and accountability, all of which are core features of any SSoW.
Paper-based SSoW systems can be slow, inconsistent, and difficult to manage, especially offshore, where teams are spread across vessels, platforms, and remote sites. Manual processes often lead to delays, lost documentation, and limited visibility of ongoing operations.
Digital SSoW platforms (often referred to iSSoW) solve these challenges by offering:
Choosing the right Safe System of Work software is essential for offshore wind teams looking to improve safety, efficiency, and compliance. The best platforms go beyond digitising paperwork; they actively support safer operations.
Look for tools that offer:
These features help ensure your SSoW system is not only compliant but practical, scalable, and built for offshore realities.
SeaPlanner is purpose-built for offshore projects, offering a fully integrated SSoW that enhances safety, compliance, and operational efficiency across all phases of development.
Its configurable permit system, designed with input from experienced HSE professionals, ensures consistent review and approval workflows. This helps keep projects safe and on schedule by streamlining submissions, reducing delays, and ensuring all work is authorised before personnel arrive on site.
Key features include:
By integrating SSoW with workforce and vessel tracking, SeaPlanner provides a single source of truth for offshore teams, supporting safer, smarter project delivery.
A SSoW is essential for managing risk, protecting personnel, and ensuring regulatory compliance in offshore wind projects. If you're still relying on paper-based systems or fragmented workflows, now is the time to evaluate your approach. Digital platforms like SeaPlanner offer a smarter, more scalable way to manage safety offshore. Request a demo today to see how we can support your team in delivering safer, more successful projects.