Change is a recognized safety risk indicator.  In other words, change increases safety risks. 

In my experience, sometimes significant changes are not properly analysed, and the reasons for change are often not well understood by management (holistically) or staff members; in particular concern is often expressed about, what is proposed to be achieved, when a change would be achieved, or how it may affect day to day operations and more importantly, how it may affect them. 

A change of a number of Key Personnel in a relatively short period of time is an example of change which can adversely affect managers and staff.  It creates a climate of uncertainly and, this affects the way staff work - their adherence to legislation and company rules, and also impacts on the way they handle other safety issues.  Other examples of business changes which may affect safety are; the addition of a new aircraft type, the expansion to another secondary base, a change of a significant outsourced service provider, the addition of a new route or port to the network etc.

In my experience, I rarely found documentary evidence of formal or informal comprehensive change management plans, which addressed;

• Identify the reasons,  
• The steps to achieve the change - a plan,
• Risks and opportunities
• Resource and operational implications (including but not limited to costs)
• The person or persons responsible and accountable for the change, and
• Performance measures.

Significantly, I rarely found that the operator had made an assessment of the risks and treatment strategies.  If for no other reason, this activity promotes a greater understanding of the implications of a proposed change.

Aviation Regulators recognize the significance of change in the context of aviation safety and the importance for it to be effectively managed.  Failure to do so generally draws the Regulator's attention to an operation.  More significantly, a failure to effective manage change may increase safety risks to an unacceptably high level.

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