SMS is good for everyone…So what’s in it for me?

A Safety Management System is visible proof of organizational professionalism and commitment. Many organizations are implementing SMS because they believe it has been mandated. But just as many organizations are implementing SMS because they believe it will improve their safety culture. Regardless of the reason for development, the feedback from organizations that implement SMS has been overwhelmingly positive.

Why are they so sure SMS is a good thing? 

1. People Savings — An organization with an SMS attracts more qualified and experienced personnel. We have examples of job candidates who specifically chose an organization with an SMS versus one without. Most people work and perform better within a secure safety structure. Leaving employees to figure things out as they move along brings frustration, finger pointing and retention issues.
2. Cost Savings — Training, placement expense and the cost of temporary personnel will be lower in an organization with a good SMS. Longer employee retention periods are always a better option for ensuring financial stability. And don’t forget the potential insurance premium savings.
3. Performance Improvement — Computer-based SMS programs reduce data tracking effort and provide efficient structure. An organization with structure and defined processes performs better than one without. Customers, passengers and peers will recognize this positive change.
4. Preventing Accidents Can Save the Organization — Eliminating accidents can save your job. There have been recent examples where an aircraft was damaged beyond repair and not replaced resulting in pilot and maintenance personnel layoffs.
5. Improved Business Continuity — Senior Management turnover in an unstructured organization wreaks havoc. A well structured organization manages change in a more positive way.
6. Better Response from Investigators and Regulators — Organizations with an active SMS program often experience more consideration if pilots get into a bind where there may be a potential certificate action. FAA investigators might recognize your SMS and be less aggressive. The NTSB clearly recognizes the importance of an SMS and that will help if you are involved in a hearing.

Concerned about where to begin your SMS development process?
Slowly peel back the onion and take some baby steps. Safety Management Systems don’t have to be complicated. There are numerous tool kits available to assist in your development of an SMS. Always start with ICAO’s four components and look at the basics.

Define your operations and safety policy.
Everyone needs to be on the same page, ‘What do I expect of myself and others and how do we do our jobs?’ Your operating manuals define what is expected and are a critical element in mitigating risk because they define the box you operate in. Every operation should have some written guidelines. Rewriting your current guidelines so they conform to a formal SMS can be time consuming. But if you take it step-by-step and involve everyone, you will find it goes smoother.

Create a written Emergency Response Plan.
It is just as important for a small operator as for a large organization. A response plan is a part of an ISBAO recognized SMS. Keep your plan simple and relevant to your organization.

Formalize Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis.
When contemplating stepping outside the box (perhaps extending mandated duty time restrictions) an SMS can help you evaluate hazards and mitigate risks. Formalized assessments not only provide you immediate feedback on risk exposure but can also act as an excellent pre-departure checklist. Done right, they only take a minute or two.

Formalize Safety Reporting.
Writing down identified safety issues is an important step that will help you reduce the impact of hazards. Remember, most safety problems result from organizational issues and are not individual issues. However, each individual should report hazards and be a part of the organizational solution.

Safety Assurance participation.
If you are leading the Safety Program, go back and take a look at what you are doing on a semi-annual or quarterly basis. Do your manuals reflect your effort and are the risk assessments and safety reports providing appropriate information?

Don’t destroy those assessments!
Keep them in a database so you can easily reference them. You may find that there are bits and pieces that surface with a common theme.

Consider a Flight Data Monitor (FDM/FOQA) program.
The costs are reasonable. FOQA provides excellent feedback and in some cases, surprising flight data. More on this in my next article.

Safety Promotion—Stay informed.
There are numerous websites (including association websites) that share safety information. You can learn from what others are experiencing. Review and share your own data with your staff and even better, get together with other operators in your area and have a mini safety meeting. If you are contemplating the implementation of an SMS, get started. It isn’t all that complicated. And don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. We are all in this together.