SMS is a Process, Not a Book!

I am still amazed at how many aviation companies claim to have a functional Safety Management System (SMS), when in fact, they do not. Depending on the type of operation, SMS may or may not be mandated by regulation. But regardless of whether SMS is mandated or not, there are still many companies that are having difficulty implementing and/or sustaining a functional SMS.

One of the biggest issues I see is where companies are not fully understanding that SMS is a formal safety process — a process that requires the continuous management of safety policies, safety risks, safety assurance, and safety promotion. SMS requires, among other things, safety performance monitoring and measurement, hazard identification and risk assessments, corrective and preventive actions, and promotion of the SMS itself so that employees understand their roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities in the system (emphasis on system).

While the requirements and methodologies of an SMS are spelled out very clearly in reference documents (such as ICAO Doc 9859), many companies still think that their SMS manual is their actual SMS. In fact, to make things even worse, some of these companies are buying canned SMS manuals from third-party vendors and “customizing” the manuals by filling in the blanks. Then, the manual sits on the shelf and collects dust for a few years!

It’s important to keep in mind that an SMS manual alone makes not an SMS. What’s in your manual should describe exactly how YOUR SMS process works (and the manual needs to be kept up-to-date—it’s not a one-shot deal). If you just have an SMS manual but no process to back up what’s in the manual, then you DON’T have an SMS! If SMS is mandated for your operation, and you think that your SMS manual will suffice when your Regulator shows up to conduct an SMS gap analysis or an audit, you are going to be in for a big surprise!

Need help with your SMS or an objective gap analysis? Visit TACG at https://www.tacgworldwide.com/SMS-Training-Aviation ?

Check out more papers and presentations at https://www.tacgworldwide.com/Papers-Presentations

Dr. Bob Baron?conducts aviation safety training, consulting, and program implementation for aviation operators on a global basis.

Sensitive and knowledgeable about various cultures, Dr. Baron uses his 35+ years of academic and practical experience to assist aviation organizations in their pursuit of safety and quality excellence. He has extensive experience working with developing nations and island countries. He also provides training and consulting to some of the largest airlines and aircraft manufacturers in the world, as well as civil aviation authorities and accident investigation bureaus.

If your aviation organization is interested in improving its culture, implementing programs such as Human Factors, SMS, SSP, or LOSA, or have an external, unbiased safety audit/Gap analysis, please get in touch.

Dr. Baron’s company, TACG, provides numerous training, consulting, and auditing services. For more information, please go to https://www.tacgworldwide.com