The way I look at it, you conduct a risk assessment first and following that write a safe system of work, also known as a procedure, work instruction, etc. this is my simple take on it Cheers Nick

The difference is quite stark really. A risk assessment looks at the dangers involved in undertaking a specific activity or activities. The SSOW is the means to undertake that activity in as safe a way as possible. I fear for some replies on this forum because they seem to be in the I know more than anyone else bracket A risk assessment is a means of identifying the likelihood that harm will occur and its severity. A safe system of work is a process to eliminate as far as is reasonably practicable the dangers posed by a specific process. A risk assessment should be completed before a safe system of work can be developed that eliminates the risk as far as is reasonably practicable.