What Control of Work is, how it integrates with broader frameworks, and why it is so essential to safety management.
In industries where operational hazards are part of daily life, such as oil & gas, mining, chemicals, utilities, and manufacturing, the difference between a routine task and a disaster often lies in the strength of the organization’s Control of Work system.
At its core, Control of Work (CoW) is a structured framework that ensures all work activities, especially non-routine or hazardous tasks, are carried out safely, systematically, and in compliance with regulations and internal policies. It is a critical pillar of any Safety Management System (SMS), directly impacting an organization’s ability to prevent incidents, protect people, and maintain operational continuity.
This blog will explore what Control of Work is, how it integrates with broader safety frameworks, and why getting it right is not just good practice, but essential.
What is Control of Work?
Control of Work refers to a set of integrated systems and processes used to manage the risks associated with work activities or tasks, particularly high-risk or non-routine operations. Examples of high-risk activities could include confined space, hot work, working at heights, critical lifts, or excavations. It provides a formal structure for planning, authorizing, executing, and monitoring work in a way that prioritizes safety and compliance.
A typical Control of Work framework includes:
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
- A systematic analysis of potential hazards associated with a job or task. For example, a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
- Permit to Work (PTW)
- A formal authorization system that ensures work is carried out safely under specific conditions
- Isolation Management
- Ensures energy sources (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, etc.) are safely isolated before work begins
- Shift Handover and Communication
- Information transfer between shifts or teams to ensure tasks, incidents, or actions are followed through
- Simultaneous Operation (SIMOPS) Coordination
- Ensures conflicting or simultaneous activities are not creating additional risks
Why is Control of Work so critical?
Control of Work provides a focused and structured system of processes for anticipating hazards and implementing controls to protect workers from those hazards. For example, performing maintenance on a pressurized pipeline without validating that the proper isolations are in place through a Permit to Work system can lead to a catastrophic failure, resulting in a serious injury to workers or, worse, a fatality. Control of Work aims to prevent and mitigate serious incidents by embedding discipline and accountability at various work stages.
Beyond mitigating the consequences to workers, CoW mitigates risks to assets, production schedules, and the environment. Work that is improperly executed can lead to equipment damage, unplanned downtime, or environmental releases. Each of these can carry hefty financial and reputational costs.
Many industries, such as ones that have inherently high hazard work environments, are subject to rigorous safety regulations. A robust Control of Work system helps these organizations comply with legal and industry standards. Detailed permit records, risk assessments, and audit trails provide evidence of due diligence and proactive risk management, which can be crucial in the event of an incident investigation.
But Control of Work is not just about documentation. It is about creating a culture of accountability and ownership. When frontline workers consistently engage in Risk Assessments and permit procedures, safety becomes embedded in the culture, and it simply turns into ‘the way things are done’.
This shared discipline builds trust, improves morale, and empowers workers to speak up when something feels unsafe. A strong safety culture is often the best defense against complacency and human error.
How CoW Fits into a Broader Safety and Operational Excellence Management System
An overarching safety or operational excellence management system is a comprehensive framework for managing health and safety across an organization. The goal of any safety management system is to protect workers from exposure to hazards that can cause them harm. The management system begins with top-level policy commitments to safety – it explains ‘What’ organizations need to do to ensure regulatory compliance or meet industry standards. A Control of Work framework translates these policies into operational practice, or ‘How’ organizations can meet management system and regulatory requirements.
For example, if an organization requires that hazards must be identified, mitigated, and monitored for high-risk tasks (the What), the Job Hazard Analyses, Permit To Work processes, and control measures such as Isolations or Lockout/Tagout procedures within the Control of Work framework are the mechanism (the ‘How’) through which the requirement is met.
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Common Pitfalls & Best Practices in Control of Work
Even a well-designed CoW system can become ineffective if not supported by strong execution. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes and make the system work in the field:
1. Simplify and Standardize
Avoid overcomplicating forms and procedures. Keep permits and assessments clear, concise, and standardized across operations. Consider digitizing them for better usability and control.
2. Train All Stakeholders
Ensure workers, contractors, and supervisors fully understand their roles in the CoW process. Use practical training scenarios to reinforce key principles.
3. Verify, Don’t Assume
Regularly inspect and audit work permits, isolation tags, and risk assessments in the field. Leadership visibility during work execution reinforces accountability.
4. Go Digital Where Possible
Digital CoW platforms reduce paperwork, streamline workflows, and offer real-time visibility. Features like electronic permits, mobile access, and auto-alerts improve both safety and efficiency.
Looking Ahead: The Digital Future of Control of Work
With the rise of industrial digitalization, Control of Work is evolving rapidly. Today’s leading companies are implementing cloud-based systems that integrate shift handover tools, permit workflows and real-time dashboards for work-in-progress.
The result is a smarter, faster, and more responsive safety operation that keeps pace with the complexity of modern industrial environments.
Final Thoughts
Control of Work is the execution engine of a Safety Management System. When properly implemented, it saves lives, reduces risk, and drives a culture of accountability and professionalism.
Whether a frontline operator, EHS leader, or plant manager, understanding and embracing CoW is non-negotiable. It’s how great organizations turn safety intentions into safe actions—every job, every time.
Ready to implement a modern Control of Work system? Cority helps organizations digitize permits, improve coordination, and reduce safety risks—without slowing teams down.
