Preventing mishaps and accidents is crucial in the aviation industry.

One way this

can be done is by using a safety management system or SMS. SMS is a formal
system that uses a top-down approach to manage safety risks and ensure safety
measures work effectively. It is a widely adopted industry standard, utilized not only
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but also by the global aviation industry.
It involves using structured processes, practices, and rules for managing safety
risks. By proactively identifying errors and hazards, risk mitigation measures can be
put in place that result in reduced accidents and improved safety. AC120-92D

The FAA utilizes a SMS to meet its obligations under the International Civil Aviation
Organization's State Safety Program (SSP). This system helps ensure the safety of
air navigation services across the United States. Additionally, the FAA mandates
that key segments of the commercial aviation industry implement SMS to
proactively manage safety within their operations.

Safety Management Systems (SMS) are comprehensive frameworks that guide

every aspect of an organization in making informed, risk-based decisions for
everyday operations. These systems prioritize safety by establishing structured
processes to identify potential hazards, report incidents, assess risks, measure
performance, and ensure quality. By implementing SMS, organizations can enhance
safety culture, comply with regulatory standards and ultimately deliver products
and services with the highest level of safety. https://safetyculture.com/topics/safety-
management-system/

Safety Management Systems (SMS) are comprised of four key components or pillars: safety
policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

The foundation of SMS is its Safety Policy: which outlines the organization's commitment to
safety, defines clear objectives, and establishes the necessary structures and processes to achieve
these goals. The policy emphasizes transparency, accountability, and building upon existing
safety practices. The core of SMS is the Safety Risk Management or SRM process: This
component involves a systematic process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, analyzing
potential consequences, and implementing effective control measures. SRM aims to minimize
risks and ensure the safety of operations. Then we have Safety Assurance which focuses on
evaluating the effectiveness of implemented safety measures and identifying areas for
improvement. It involves monitoring, auditing, and analyzing safety performance data to ensure
compliance with regulations and standards. And finally we have Safety Promotion: This
component emphasizes creating a positive safety culture through training, communication, and
awareness campaigns. By promoting safety at all levels of the organization, SMS aims to foster a
proactive approach to safety. https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/sms/explained/components
There are 12 core elements within the four components of SMS that are essential for managing,
implementing, and maintaining a robust safety management system. Safety policies and
objectives are vital for incorporating safety into company values. Key elements include
management commitment, which showcases the management's dedication to safety goals, clear
accountability and responsibilities for safety, appointment of crucial safety personnel,
coordination of emergency response planning, and thorough documentation processes for regular
reviews. Safety risk management involves identifying hazards and assessing and mitigating
safety risks. Identifying hazards helps reduce the risk of illness, injury, or damage, while risk
assessments prioritize and address these risks with appropriate safety measures. Safety
assurance focuses on monitoring risk controls during operations. Critical elements include
safety performance monitoring and measurement, managing changes to safety measures, and
continuously improving the SMS through increased supervision, training, and maintenance.
Safety promotion encourages a safety culture through training and education, which supports
SMS implementation and helps employees understand safety goals and measures. Effective
safety communication ensures employees can report safety concerns and participate in improving
the SMS to mitigate hazards. https://strongarmtech.com/blog-posts/elements-of-a-safety-
management-system/

The SMS decision process involves identifying hazards or potential sources of harm, then
assissing the risks by evauluating the likelihood and severity of the risk. Then implementing
control measures to mitigate the risk of the identified hazards. And continuously monitoring the
effectiveness of the control measures and making adjustments as needed.

Before an SMS can be implemented, it must first be built. When building an sms there are some
key steps that must be completed. One is to complete an Organizational assessment. which
should provide a comprehensive overview of the organization's operations. This includes
detailing the functions of each department, such as ground operations, and maintenance, along
with the responsible management personnel. Additionally, it should outline the organization's
external relationships, like contracts for fueling, deicing, or maintenance services. Furthermore,
it should discuss the roles and representation of various employee groups. A crucial aspect of this
description is the identification and documentation of key positions responsible for risk
acceptance, which includes managers and process owners. Another important step is to Clearly
define the goals and objectives of the SMS such as reducing workplace incidents, fostering a
stronger safety culture, or ensuring regulatory compliance. Key Performance Indicators should
also be set to objectively measure the success of the safety initiatives.

Once the SMS has been created, it needs to be implemented. There are a few key elements to
ensure a successful implementation. One is through training and education which should
empower employees at all levels to understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a
safe working environment. Ongoing support and resources should be provided to foster
continuous learning and maintain necessary competencies. Effective communication is another
key component of a successful safety management system. Clear communication channels
should be established to facilitate the reporting of incidents, hazards, and safety concerns.
Another is Regular monitoring and review of the safety management system's performance is
essential to identify areas for improvement. There are three primary types of monitoring
periodic, scheduled, and ongoing. Periodic monitoring involves a formal, in-depth review of
control measures on an annual or semi-annual basis. Scheduled monitoring entails regular, less
formal reviews, such as monthly hazard trend analysis. Ongoing monitoring occurs daily, such
as when hazard reports are submitted and analyzed. Finally, safety management is an ongoing
process that demands continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving circumstances. It is
vital to regularly review and update the SMS for it to remain relevant and effective. Which is
why processes to correct safety performance deficiencies identified during assessments need to
be established.

In conclusion, implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) is essential for preventing

mishaps and ensuring safety in the aviation industry. By adopting a structured, top-down
approach to manage safety risks, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate hazards,
leading to reduced accidents and improved safety. The SMS framework, widely used by the FAA
and globally, integrates safety policies, risk management, assurance, and promotion to create a
robust safety culture. With comprehensive training, continuous monitoring, and clear
communication, SMS helps organizations comply with regulations and deliver the highest safety
standards in their operations.

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control-measures

Federal Aviation Administration. (2024a). Advisory Circular (AC) 120-92D: Safety management

systems for aviation service providers. United States Department of Transportation.

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_120-

92D_FAA_Web.pdf
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States Department of Transportation.

https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/sms/explained/components

Federal Aviation Administration. (2024c). Safety management system (SMS). United States

Department of Transportation. https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/sms

International Training Institute. (2024). Above all, safety first!

https://internationaltraininginstitute.edu.vn/aviation-safety/

Manawis, R. (2024). An introduction to safety management systems (SMS).

https://safetyculture.com/topics/safety-management-system/

SiteConnect. (n.d.). Implementing a safety management system: A comprehensive guide.

https://siteconnect.io/blog/how-to-implement-a-safety-management-system/

Teller, A. (2023). What are the key elements and components of a safety management system?

https://strongarmtech.com/blog-posts/elements-of-a-safety-management-system/