IdentIfyIng and DevelopIng Your SMS

Effective safety management systems are comprehensive processes that utilize identified and dedicated resources to optimize your safety potential. The SMS approach results in a coherent structure that you will use to achieve a higher level of performance, making safety management an integral part of overall risk management. SMS is based on leadership and accountability. It requires proactive hazard identification, risk management, information control, auditing and training. It includes incident and accident investigation and analysis.

The SMS approach requires the development of a high level of risk management coordination and cooperation between all of your departments. In a Safety Management System, it is recognized that safety leadership and accountability extends significantly beyond the flight department. Your first step should be an honest evaluation of where you are now. Specifically, you should perform a Safety Risk Profile and a Gap Analysis.

Sometimes the elements of a solid SMS are already in place. Perhaps all that is necessary is identifying those elements, documenting them and fitting them into your revitalized approach to cultural safety. If you need help in evaluating your status, you should consider the value of an outside safety survey. If you are a current Global Aerospace policy holder, you can arrange a survey through our Safety Department.

Embarking on the path to SMS development requires commitment. Building your SMS can take a month or two or it might take more than a year. The time required depends upon your current status and your ability to dedicate appropriate resources. Most organizations will begin by identifying lead SMS personnel. These leaders will need training. They will need resources and they will need authority to interact across departmental boundaries. Select these people carefully. Make sure they are supported from the top.

As an alternative to building your system from the ground up, there are a number of outside providers of packaged SMS programs. The costs of these programs vary between a few- and many- thousands of dollars. As you would with any vendor, select your partner with care. This could be one of the most important decisions you make.

If you need more information or just want to talk about the process of SMS development don’t hesitate to contact us.