Safety Management

Discussion 2

According to SMS, management has a role in risk/hazard reduction. But isn’t that the job of the flight crews? Does this concept undermine the authority of crew?

Even though the job of flight crews is to ensure that safety regulations are followed, management still plays a very important role in the process as well. This does not undermine the authority of the crew, but it ensures that each member on the team is doing their part in working towards the success of a proactive management system. SMS is the formal, top-down business approach to managing safety risk, which includes a systemic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structures, accountabilities, policies and procedures. The management role in risk/hazard reduction points out to all involved, how involved in the process everyone is. SMS involves structure and accountabilities so management’s involvement in the process is within the guidelines of what SMS is about. Each member is responsible for safety but management is overall in charge in implementation and execution. The SMS incorporates internal evaluation and quality assurance concepts that can result in more structured management and continuous improvement of operational processes, which means that a hierarchy is in place all involved in the process is continuously trying to find ways to improve the program. SMS involves many sets of eyes looking at the same program and I believe that the more people are looking is the more they’ll find, which will in turn reduce the number hazards

Management’s job is to develop and set the guidelines that the company needs to follow. From the highest manager to the lowest employee it is everyones responsibility to learn and follow the Safety Management System (SMS) guidelines set forth. Each level of management should have a line manager who is responsible for the prevention of accidents at their level. While the flight crew may be responsible for the actions of...