ICAO defines a Safety Management System (SMS) as ‘a systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structures, accountabilities, policies and procedures’. While seemingly simple to comprehend, there are many misconceptions and uncertainty surrounding the system.
Some of the most common misconceptions include:
1. Misconception: SMS will require a separate safety department
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Truth: An SMS is a set of management practices, not a requirement for an additional department. SMS is composed of four components, namely, Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Safety Promotion. These four pillars provide companies with a systematic approach to safety management, which is essential in the aviation industry.
Some organizations may choose to hire specialist staff such as safety managers, safety and quality auditors and analysts to form a department for SMS; but ultimately, resource allocation should be appropriate for the organization size.
2. Misconception: SMS helps the regulator outsource work
Truth: The existence of an SMS within a company does not revoke the responsibilities of the regulator (DCAM, EASA, FAA, etc.). Rather, an SMS enables regulators to provide companies with a clear set of requirements for companies to demonstrate efficient safety management practices.
The purpose of an SMS is to enforce the necessity of companies to meet technical standards, while giving regulators access to a framework that will encourage companies to increase safety management.
3. Misconception: SMS and QMS are the same thing
Truth: SMS is focused on aviation safety; it is to measure and analyse safety performance, so that safety levels within an organisation can be improved. SMS deals with proactive techniques, to actively prevent mishaps in the future.
On the other hand, QMS (Quality Management System) is compliance-focused, looking at the present with prescriptive techniques. As advised by the FAA, ‘if an organization has a QMS, it should not conflict with the SMS.’ Both systems – SMS and QMS – should complement each other synergistically, and should result in positive outcomes.
4. Misconception: SMS training is a waste of time
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Truth: You have probably encountered your fair share of substandard safety training courses. Without proper training, safety managers can cause SMS to be a waste of the company’s time and resources, leading to increased complacency on safety programs. However, with training that is high quality (i.e., relevant, interesting and engaging), the true purpose and importance of safety programs can prevail.
When selecting an SMS training provider, it is important not to discount prices in exchange for average-quality training. Do not waste your company’s resources on mediocre training that will have little or no impact. Instead, look for a training program that provides academic value, while helping your employees achieve application (including skills for identification, analysing and management) knowledge.
At Dviation, top-quality SMS training is delivered by highly qualified and experienced trainers, at cost-effective rates. Dviation’s courses are flexible and customizable – always putting their clients’ goals first.
SMS refresher courses are also available; more info can be found here.
For details, email [email protected].