Work Permit vs. Permit to Work: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to workplace safety, understanding the distinction between a work permit and a permit to work is crucial. While both documents are used to authorise specific tasks, they serve different purposes within health and safety management.

What is a Work Permit?

A work permit is a general authorisation allowing named individuals to perform a particular job at a designated site within a specified timeframe. It confirms that necessary checks and precautions have been considered before, during, and after work completion. These can apply to a broad range of tasks but are not necessarily tied to high-risk activities.

What is a Permit to Work?

A permit-to-work (PTW) is a formal written system required for hazardous or high-risk tasks, ensuring that the works is carried out under controlled conditions. It acts as an additional layer of safety by verifying that all hazards have been assessed and mitigated before work begins. This type of permit is commonly used for activities such as:

• Working at height
• Confined space entry
• Hot works (e.g., welding, grinding)
• Electrical work
• Excavations
• Handling hazardous substances

Why a Robust System is Essential

Failure to manage high-risk work effectively can result in serious injuries, property damage, or even fatalities. Businesses are legally responsible for ensuring a structured permit-to-work system is in place to mitigate risks. Organisations may face legal action, fines, or reputational damage without it.

Who is Responsible for a Permit to Work System?

Employers and health and safety managers must oversee permit-to-work systems and ensure compliance with regulations. Departments such as Facilities Management, Engineering, QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety & Environment), and Maintenance typically handle PTW processes.

Using Digital Solutions to Manage Permits to Work

Traditional paper-based systems can be prone to errors, missing information, and inefficiencies. A digital risk assessment software like the one used by Work Wallet can help streamline the permit-to-work process by:

• Automating permit issuance, approvals, and tracking
• Providing real-time updates and notifications
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
• Reducing paperwork and improving data accuracy

A cloud-based permit-to-work system ensures better visibility over workplace safety processes, allowing organisations to manage risks effectively and prevent incidents before they occur.

Improve Workplace Safety with Work Wallet

Work Wallet’s risk assessment software offers an efficient, compliant, and digital-first approach to managing permits. From hazard identification to real-time monitoring, our system helps businesses stay on top of workplace safety requirements.

Want to learn more? Contact us today to see how we can enhance your permit-to-work system.

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