A Safety Management System (SMS) is a systematic approach to manage the risks associated with aviation throught the use of policies, procedures and best practices. Big businesses, regulators and governments use a SMS to ensure protection of people and property, while also ensuring production goals. Everyone involved in aviation can develop their own personal SMS.
The 4 Pillars of SMS. But first a gratuitous aviation photo...
Policy - is about generating a positive, collaborative safety culture. Example: Open, non-puntive reporting system.
Example: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)
Risk Management - is about realizing that tragic mishaps lay in our future, unless the multiple hazards that combine to create risk are identified and controlled. Example: Use of John and Martha Kings Personal Minimums PAVE Checklist.
Safety Assurance - is about checking to see if our risk mitigations are having the desired effect, continuously. Example: Debrief, did the flight go as planned?
Safety Promotion - is about sharing best practices with in and outside of our aviation community. Example: Host or attend a Wings Seminar. Sign up for the NASA ASRS newsletter CALLBACK.
Fly Smart!
Clark
FMI: FAA Risk Management Handbook by Signal Charlie
Practical Risk Management Handbook
Implementing SMS In Aviation
