When a workplace incident happens, the immediate focus is often on what went wrong. But the real key to prevention lies in a deeper question: Did someone deviate from the Safe System of Work (SSoW)? Understanding these deviations is crucial in any effective workplace investigation. In this guide, we’ll break it down in plain, everyday language—with real-life examples, easy-to-follow steps, and tips that help you strengthen workplace safety. Formal safety training, such as the NEBOSH International General Certificate, plays a vital role in teaching professionals how to identify and manage such deviations effectively. The NEBOSH course fees in Pakistan generally range from PKR 120,000 to PKR 180,000 depending on the training institute, making it an affordable yet powerful investment for anyone involved in health and safety.
What Are Safe Systems of Work?
A Safe System of Work (SSoW) is a formal procedure designed to prevent accidents. It outlines how a job should be done safely—what tools to use, who can do it, what PPE is required, and which hazards to avoid. Think of it as a safety blueprint.
But here’s the catch: even the best SSoWs are only effective if people actually follow them. And that’s where things can go wrong.
Why Do Deviations Happen?
Workers may not always stick to the system—and not always out of carelessness. Here are a few reasons:
- Lack of training: If workers aren’t properly trained, they may not even know they’re doing something risky.
- Time pressure: When deadlines loom, shortcuts become tempting.
- Complacency: “We’ve always done it this way” is a dangerous phrase.
- Unclear instructions: Sometimes procedures are too complex or hard to understand.
This is why identifying deviations from Safe Systems of Work during an investigation is so important—it reveals what truly caused the breakdown.
The Role of Training and NEBOSH in Spotting Deviations
To identify these issues, safety professionals must be trained to look deeper than just surface-level errors. This is where professional safety training like NEBOSH comes in. NEBOSH courses give workers and supervisors the tools to analyze workplace behavior, understand safety systems, and lead effective investigations.
NEBOSH course fees in Pakistan vary depending on the institution and course level. On average, the NEBOSH IGC course in Pakistan ranges from PKR 120,000 to PKR 180,000. While the cost might seem like an investment, the knowledge gained helps prevent accidents, legal issues, and costly business disruptions.
Step-by-Step: How to Identify Deviations During an Investigation
Let’s walk through a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Know the Safe System of Work
Before you can spot a deviation, you need to know what the correct procedure is. Review:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Job Safety Analysis (JSA) documents
- Permits to work
- Safety method statements
If you’re not sure what the correct steps were supposed to be, ask the supervisor or safety officer.
Step 2: Interview the People Involved
This isn’t about blaming anyone—it’s about understanding. Ask open-ended questions:
- Can you walk me through what happened?
- What step were you on when the incident occurred?
- Was that the usual method you follow?
You may be surprised at how many workers think they’re doing it the right way—only to reveal during the interview that they’ve created a risky workaround.
Step 3: Compare Actions vs. Procedures
Now, compare what was supposed to happen (the SSoW) with what actually happened. Any gap between the two is a deviation.
For example:
- SSoW says: Use a scaffold to access the roof.
- What happened: Worker used a ladder.
That’s a clear deviation. Now ask: Why? Was the scaffold unavailable? Did the worker not know the rule? Were they trying to save time?
Step 4: Check Documentation and Logs
Look at:
- Training records
- Risk assessments
- Equipment checklists
These will tell you if the worker was qualified, if the risks were properly considered, and if tools were maintained.
Often, the absence of documentation is a clue. For example, if there’s no record of a worker being trained on the SSoW, that’s a systemic issue.
Step 5: Examine the Culture and Supervision
Sometimes, the root cause isn’t just an individual error—it’s the environment. Ask yourself:
- Was the supervisor aware of the shortcut?
- Was unsafe behavior being ignored?
- Are safety audits done regularly?
A strong safety culture prevents deviations before they happen. A weak one allows them to grow unchecked.
Real-World Anecdote: A Costly Shortcut
At a manufacturing plant in Lahore, a technician bypassed the lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedure to reset a jammed conveyor. The result? A crushed hand and a 3-month shutdown.
The investigation found that:
- The SSoW clearly outlined LOTO.
- The technician had never been trained on it.
- The supervisor was unaware of the deviation.
A small deviation, but a big price.
This is where NEBOSH-trained professionals made a difference—they restructured the entire SSoW training program, added regular audits, and prevented future incidents.
Preventing Deviations Before They Happen
Once you’ve identified deviations, the next step is to prevent them:
✅ Make Procedures Clear and Practical
Don’t write SOPs in complex language. Use checklists, images, and plain wording.
✅ Refresh Training Regularly
One-time training isn’t enough. Refresher courses ensure workers remember the correct procedures.
✅ Encourage Reporting and Near-Miss Tracking
Workers should feel safe to report when they make mistakes or notice others taking shortcuts.
✅ Conduct Random Spot Checks
Sometimes the only way to see the truth is to show up unannounced.
✅ Use Competency Assessments
Ensure people are not just trained, but competent. That’s a big difference.
Why All of This Matters for Legal Compliance
When an accident happens, regulators and investigators want to know one thing: Did the employer do everything reasonably practicable to ensure safety?
If your SSoW is in place, but you can’t show that workers followed it—or that supervisors enforced it—you may be held legally responsible.
This is where documenting training, monitoring work, and identifying deviations becomes your best defense.
NEBOSH IGC Course in Pakistan: Learn the Right Way
If you’re serious about improving your investigation skills and workplace safety, consider enrolling in the NEBOSH IGC course in Pakistan. It gives you structured knowledge to:
- Conduct thorough investigations
- Understand workplace hazards
- Identify root causes, not just symptoms
- Lead safety culture improvements
Read more about the NEBOSH IGC course in Pakistan and how it can advance your safety career.
Final Thoughts
Deviations from Safe Systems of Work aren’t just minor mistakes—they’re red flags that can point to deeper systemic issues. Learning how to spot and address them during investigations helps create a safer, smarter, and more legally compliant workplace.
