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means of demonstrating safety management
capability before system
failures occur; increased confidence in
risk controls though structured safety
assurance processes; an effective interface
for knowledge sharing between
regulator and certificate holder; and a
safety promotion framework to support
a sound safety culture.
" Also, we have to recognize that an
SMS provides the tools to bring more
insight into the organizational system, "
Thomas and Starke continue. " Before,
the system was a mystery until something
happened. Through SMS, we are
able to better understand the operating
environment and the associated complexity.
As such, through the insight we
gain, we can proactively find ways to
stave off harm and increase efficiency. "
There are a several locations around
the world where authorities are taking
the lead and introducing SMS for ground
handling service providers, Yeomans
says. In the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) region in Europe,
he says work is progressing on the
ground handing regulations and oversight.
Within the next few years, the
requirement of a management system
including safety will be in force.
" Right now, the focus will come from
the aerodromes and aircraft operators
who, themselves are mandated to have
an SMS, " Yeomans says. " As their SMS
matures, they will be already starting
to look at their suppliers and how these
interfaces affect the safety of their own
operations. FBOs may already be getting
enquiries from Part 135 operations
internationally about management of
safety, if not they will soon. "
While an SMS offers value to a business,
Yeomans points out that it has to
be an initiative desired by the company,
so that it can be approached positively
and with the full commitment.
" Every organization has the choice to
decide if now is the time to make the
changes to improve the safety of their
operations, " Yeomans says. " I would
encourage anyone to talk to one of the
current IS-BAH registered locations and
see what differences they have seen
since implementing the SMS. "
The Advantages of SMS
The specific benefits of an SMS may
vary from one location to the next. But
Yeomans says opportunities exist for
everyone to evidence that safety is a
core value; foster a better understanding
of safety-related interfaces and
relationships; evidence enhanced early
detection of safety hazards; evidence
enhanced safety communication; see a
reduction in the direct cost of incidents,
aircraft and GSE damage and lost time
injuries; and evidence a reduction in
indirect costs such as insurance, business
reputation, etc.
Yeomans also advises businesses to
challenge themselves.
" If you can make any changes to
improve the safety of your operations
what would they be? " he posits.
A fully functioning safety management
system fosters proactive
and collaborative relationships that
greatly enhance organizational management
effectiveness, Thomas and
Starke point out.
" An SMS is essentially a quality
management approach to controlling
September 2022 || AviationPros.com || 23
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risk. It also provides the organizational
framework to support a sound safety
culture, " they say. " For general aviation
operators, an SMS can form the core of
the company's safety efforts. For certificated
operators such as airlines, air
taxi operators, aviation training organizations
and repair stations, the SMS
can also serve as an efficient means of
interfacing with FAA certificate oversight
offices.
" The SMS provides the company's
management with a detailed roadmap
for monitoring safety-related processes
and can increase productivity. "
For anyone interested in developing
and implementing an SMS, DeBerry
and Berry urge organizations to obtain
formal training.
" Creating a safe work environment is
a goal across all industries and implementing
a safety management system is
an important step in fostering a culture
of workplace safety, " they say. " Adopting
a safety management system can not
only reduce injuries and manage industry
legal requirements, but also cut
safety-related costs and improve organizational
performance. "
MORE ONLINE
For more information and related
resources, read this article online.
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