What is a safety management system?

A safety management system is a series of defined, organisation wide processes that provide for effective risk-based decision-making related to your daily business. SMS focuses on maximising opportunities to continuously improve the overall safety. The SMS includes all section of any management plan are: Policy . Organisation. Planning and Implementation Measuring and Reviewing Performance Auditing Performance

What is an SMS	What an SMS is not
Builds on existing processes Integrates with other management systems by tailoring a flexible regulatory framework to your organisation Demonstrates good business practice	Self-regulation / de-regulation A stand alone department A substitute for oversight An undue burden

The roles and responsibilities within the SMS are

1. Senior manager/accountable executive is accountable for establishing the SMS and allocating resources to support and maintain an effective SMS
2. Management is responsible for implementing, maintaining and adhering to SMS processes in their areaof likelihood and consequence, after considering current controls.
3. Employees are responsible for identifying hazards and reporting them.

How will SMS benefit my organisation?

There are many benefits to a company by effectively implementing an SMS

• Provides for more informed decision making
• Improves safety by reducing risk of accidents
• Provides for better resource allocation that will result in increased efficiencies and reduced costs
• Strengthens corporate culture
• Demonstrates corporate due-diligence

What key qualities are evident in organisations with an effective SMS?

• A top-down commitment from management and a personal commitment from all employees to achieve safety performance goals
• A clear roadmap of what the SMS is and what it is supposed to accomplish
• An established practice of open communication throughout the organisation that is comprehensive and transparent, and where necessary, non-punitive
• An organisational culture that continuously strives to improve

What's the difference between SMS and quality management systems?

• SMS focuses on the safety aspects of the organisation.
• QMS focuses on the services and products of the organisation.
• While QMS focuses on conformity, SMS focuses on hazards. Both non-conformities and hazards can impact safety.
• Both systems enhance safety and are essential and complimentary management tools. You cannot have an effective SMS without applying quality management principles.