Currently, many industries continue to use paper systems to manage work permits, which presents a series of challenges and problems, especially from a safety perspective. Paper management slows down processes and complicates maintaining an efficient and safe work pace.
One of the most significant issues is the difficulty in real-time tracking of the status of work permits. This can result in situations where tasks are initiated without the necessary permits or where expired permits are not renewed in time, thus increasing the risk of work accidents.
Additionally, paper systems hinder auditing and compliance with safety regulations, as they require manual reviews that are both time-intensive and susceptible to the reviewer's subjectivity.
Furthermore, work permits are often extremely long and complex forms, which can easily lead to non-compliance with the steps or controls to be performed, precisely because of the difficulty they present in reading.
Manual permit management also involves a considerable amount of time dedicated to administration, time that could be used in activities that add more value to the company. For example, safety and hygiene staff must spend hours organizing, filing, and searching for physical documents, a task that is inherently less efficient than digital solutions.
Benefits of Digitizing Work Permits
The digitization of work permits offers multiple benefits that can positively transform industrial operations:
Significant Improvement in Operational Efficiency
With digital systems, access to permits is instant and can be done from multiple locations and devices, facilitating management and reducing downtime. In addition, these systems allow for real-time communication and updating of the permit statuses, ensuring that all teams are aware of the necessary changes and approvals.
Increased Safety
Digital systems can be configured to automatically alert users when a permit is about to expire or if a work condition has changed, thus improving the response to risk conditions. The traceability and transparency offered by digital systems also improve regulatory compliance, making it easier for companies to pass safety audits and comply with labor and safety laws.
Process Compliance
Digital work permits ensure that the required and safe process is followed, thus ensuring that each stage is completed according to the associated risk type, even leaving evidence with images of the work performed. It is essential that the system is intuitive, so that each worker knows exactly what to do at each stage.
Promotion of an Improved Safety Culture
Digitization facilitates training and access to information about the risks and necessary precautions before starting any work. Workers can review safety requirements and confirm their understanding and compliance before receiving authorization to proceed, which reinforces safe practices and reduces the incidence of accidents.
In summary, the digitization of work permits not only resolves the problems associated with paper systems but also introduces significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. These advantages make the investment in digital technology a strategic decision for companies looking to optimize their operations and ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
If you are interested in learning how Wiiprot could help you digitize your processes, click here to contact us.
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