I have been following and contributing to a couple of international forums about Safety Management Systems (SMS) and building a good safety culture.  Whilst not intending to be critical of my international colleagues, I’ve notices a couple of concepts emerging which are interesting.

The first is that a good safety culture is a tangible thing that you can buy and take to your business, and, bingo, the business has a good safety culture – Problem solved – next!.  For example, the business ‘buys’ an SMS, goes through the implementation motions and just like pouring Coca-Cola into a half glass of water, the colour has changed to black and we have a good safety culture - Right?!  I wish it was that easy, but as most will realise it is not so and a lot of hard work by a fully committed workforce over time is required to develop a good safety culture.  Whilst the SMS is a cornerstone of the safety culture, it is not the only key element. 

In my view safety is all about PEOPLE!  People need to be motivated, encouraged, supported, trained etc., and managers must be fully committed to building a good safety culture.  This is another and possibly the most important element of a great safety culture.  I often see managers who think that they are fully committed but lack the skills or talent or just get so caught up with other stuff, that safety takes a back seat too often.  These are the guys who, make safety policy, send emails about safety issues, attend safety committee meetings, address audit recommendations but … rarely if ever, get down to the coal face to talk to people about the businesses safety goals and why, and listen (that means stop talking), to employee concerns ideas and issues!

The other notion which intrigues me is that of the importance of the Safety Regulator to make objective rules to require businesses to have a SMS.  Unfortunately, in the context of developing a great safety culture, this notion is delusional!

Establishing standards is one function of a safety regulator, but it is not the only one!  The rule making process should include collaboration and consultation with the industry and other stakeholders, and this is just as important as the rule itself.  Another important function is safety promotion and education about safety management systems and safety cultures.  This should empower businesses to take responsibility, and provide them with the knowledge, skills and tools to develop good safety cultures.  In my view this is incredibly important and thankfully one which the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has done well over the years.

To read more about my views about safety management, see my book, “Safety Management without the Mumbo Jumbo” which can be purchased from my secure web site.  Click here to purchase the book. 

Due to exceptional support, the book is now also available as an E-Book for your e-reader device.  Buy from Palmer Higgs bookstore http://www.palmerhiggsbooks.com.au/safety-management-without-the-mumbo-jumbo-ebook.html