Signal Charlie

Excerpts from “Ten Steps to create a Safety Management System”, from the ICAO Safety Management Manual (SMM)

#1 PLANNING 
Experience, communications, resources.

#2 COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
All parties engaged in, and committed to the SMS. Safety information is actively sought, safety is a shared responsibility, safety-related information is disseminated to all affected personnel.

#3 ORGANIZATION 
The organizational structure facilitates:
— lines of communication
— a clear definition of authorities, accountabilities and responsibilities.

#4 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Formal mechanisms (such as safety assessments and safety audits) are in place for the systematic identification of hazards. 

#5 RISK MANAGEMENT 
Criteria are established for assessing risks. Risks are analysed and ranked. Viable risk control measures are evaluated. Management takes action to reduce, eliminate or avoid the risks. Staff are aware of the actions taken to avoid or eliminate identified hazards. Procedures are in place to confirm that the actions taken are working as intended.

#6 INVESTIGATION CAPABILITY 
Each hazard and incident report is evaluated with further safety investigation as necessary. Safety lessons learned are widely disseminated.

#7 SAFETY ANALYSIS CAPABILITY 
Analytical tools (and specialist support) are available to support safety analyses.

#8 SAFETY PROMOTION AND TRAINING 
Recognize that all levels of the organization require training in safety management and that the needs vary across the organization.

#9 SAFETY MANAGEMENT DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 
The SMS is well documented in a safety management manual. Documents are updated regularly and are readily available to those who need them. Safety databases are used to support safety analyses and performance monitoring. 

#10 SAFETY OVERSIGHT AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE MONITORING 
Safety performance indicators are agreed upon and realistic safety targets established. Adequate resources are allocated to the safety oversight and safety performance monitoring functions. Input is sought and provided without fear of repercussion. Regular safety audits are conducted in all operational areas of the organization.  Safety oversight includes the systematic review of all available feedback, for example,safety assessments, quality assurance program results, safety trend analyses, safety surveys and safety audits. Findings are communicated, and reform measures are implemented as required to strengthen the system.

Ten Steps

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Clark