Task 9: Work INstrucTion

Work INstrucTion ( wi )

The Benefits:

• Effective communication- if the boss is away, staff simply refer to the WI or SOP for instruction
• Provides clear and easy to understand instructions.
• Useful when training new or temporary staff
• Reduces the possibility of mistakes being made
• Information in writing is less likely to be forgotten or misunderstood.

Procedures or Work Instructions

What is a Procedure?

• A procedure is a written instruction that describes what has to be done, by whom, when, how and where. 
• Standard work instructions are used to maintain and improve productivity, quality and safety.
• Used as part of lean and kaizen initiatives  

Why Use Procedures?

There are usually four ways that a job can be performed:

• What people think is being done;
• What is actually being done “most of the time”
• The short cut; or
• What should be done.

Writing Work Instructions

• Writing procedures require people to think about what they do, how they do it, why they do it and to what standard.
•  People often find this an interesting exercise, and come to realise that the so-called “straight forward jobs”.

Steps to follow

1. Write down in simple steps, what actions you take when carrying out the job or activity.
2. Review the steps you have recorded and check that all the important steps are need.
3. Number each step in order in which it occurs (eg. 1, 2, 3…..)