what are the main differences between a safe system of work and a permit to work?

Answer 1

Safe systems of work are about the health and safety of the company
Work permits are documents allowing a person to work in the country

Answer 2

In the European Union, for a specific employee to receive a work permit a prospective employer must usually provide at the following, if not more: - have advertised the post and not been able to find anyone in the local labor market suitable for the position, - show that the applicant for the permit has the necessary qualifications for the job, - meet any quota or regulatory restrictions, - meet any locally applicable salary, contract or labor standards requirements.

European countries have may also have political or economic targets in controlling the number of work permits given out. For example, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium have relatively strict criteria. Italy and Spain, on the other hand, may show more flexibility in certain areas deemed important for the local economy. [1]
What is the Safe System of Work Plan?
The SSWP identifies the major hazards associated with construction work activities and helps to ensure that appropriate controls are in place before work commences. It communicates through the use of pictograms so that everyone on site, including persons who possess little or no English can understand what they need to do. The SSWP covers House Building and Ground Works.

Answer 3

I work in the construction industry, when a task is proposed, the contractor should provide such things as "Safe System of Work", "Method Statements" etc.
When these are approved by the employer, the employer issues a Permit to Work to allow the contractor to do the task

Answer 4

Permit to work
is a permit to allow the holder of the permit to do a specific job or one to allow a minor to work.
Example: permits are necessary to show qualification to do the job. Such as Operate heavy duty equipment,
truckers must have permits to haul toxic waste or hazardous material as well as a specific type of license to drive it over the road
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Safe System is :
Specific guidelines for doing specific types of jobs.
................EXAMPLE.............
Construction hard hats and safety boots, goggles
The employer must provide a safe environment to work in and follow OSHA guidelines...
Since each job can be different then each of the guidelines is different.