THINGS ONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (SMS)

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Safety Article 

THINGS ONE SHOULD KNOW  ABOUT SAFETY  MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (SMS)

 

1. What is a safety management system (SMS)?

• A safety management system is a series of defined, organization-wide processes that provide for effective risk-based decision-making related to your daily business.

 2. What does the SMS focus on?

• SMS focuses on maximizing opportunities to continuously improve the overall safety of the aviation system.

 3. What are the key processes of an SMS?

• Hazard Identification– a method for identifying hazards related to your organization;
• Occurrence Reporting– a process for the acquisition of safety data;
• Risk Management– a standard approach for assessing risks and for applying risk controls;
• Performance Measurement– management tools for analyzing whether the organization’s safety goals are being achieved; and
• Quality/Safety Assurance– processes based on quality management principles that support continuous improvement of the organization’s safety performance.

4. What are the roles and responsibilities within the SMS?

• The senior manager/accountable executive is accountable for establishing the SMS and allocating resources to support and maintain an effective SMS;
• Management is responsible for implementing, maintaining and adhering to SMS processes in their area; and
• Employees are responsible for identifying hazards and reporting them.

 5. How will SMS benefit my organization?

• Provides for more informed decision-making; 
• Improves safety by reducing risk of accidents; 
• Provides for better resource allocation that will result in increased efficiencies and reduced costs; 
• Strengthens corporate culture; and 
• Demonstrates corporate due-diligence.

 6. What key qualities are evident in organizations with an effective SMS?

• A top-down commitment from management and a personal commitment from all employees to achieve safety performance goals;
• A clear roadmap of what the SMS is and what it is supposed to accomplish;
• An established practice of open communication throughout the organization that is comprehensive and transparent, and where necessary, non-punitive; and
• An organizational culture that continuously strives to improve.

 7. What SMS is not:

• Self-regulation / de-regulation;
• A stand alone department; Safety Management Systems Safety Management Systems
• A substitute for oversight; or
• An undue burden.

 8. What SMS does:

• Builds on existing processes;
• Integrates with other management systems by tailoring a flexible regulatory framework to your organisation; and
• Demonstrates good business practice.

 9. What’s the difference between SMS and a flight safety program?

• A safety management system is primarily proactive/predictive. It considers hazards and risks that impact the whole organization, as well as risk controls.  A flight safety program is primarily reactive and typically focuses on only one part of the system - the airline operation.

 10.  What’s the difference betwen SMS and quality management systems (QMS)?

• SMS focuses on the safety aspects of the organization.
• QMS focuses on the services and products of the organization. 
• While QMS focuses on conformity, SMS focuses on hazards.  Both non-conformities and hazards can impact safety.

Both systems enhance safety and are essential and complimentary management tools.  You cannot have an effective SMS without applying quality management principles.

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