Safety Management System

The systems approach provides a framework for the analysis of errors and efforts to improve safety. Many specific techniques can be used to analyze errors, including retrospective methods such as root cause analysis and prospective methods such as failure modes effect analysis. Failure modes effect analysis (FMEA) attempts to prospectively identify error-prone situations, or failure…...

This post contains a series of questions, that members of an organization might use – from the boardroom to the shop floor – to help them consider their personal contributions to safety culture. The questions are not intended to be exhaustive. We encourage operating organizations to use these questions as a basis for discussion and…...

The process of planning and controlling work activities is implemented to maintain safety. Work management is a deliberate process in which work is identified, selected, planned, scheduled, executed, closed, and critiqued.  The entire organization is involved in and fully supports the process.   Attributes:   Work Management: The organization implements a process of planning, controlling,…...

A Safety-Conscious Work Environment (SCWE) is maintained where personnel feel free to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment, or discrimination. The Service Unit creates, maintains, and evaluates policies and processes that allow personnel to raise concerns freely.   Attributes: SCWE Policy: The organization effectively implements a policy that supports individuals’ rights and…...

Issues potentially impacting safety are promptly identified, fully evaluated, and promptly addressed and corrected commensurate with their significance. Identifying and resolving a broad spectrum of problems, including organizational issues, strengthens safety and improves performance.   Attributes:   Identification: The organization implements a corrective action program with a low threshold for identifying issues. Individuals identify issues…...

Opportunities to learn about ways to ensure safety are sought out and implemented. Operating experience is highly valued, and the capacity to learn from experience is well developed. Training, self-assessments, and benchmarking are used to stimulate learning and improve performance.  Safety is constantly scrutinized through various monitoring techniques, some of which provide an independent “fresh…...

Trust and respect permeate the organization. A high level of trust is established in the organization, fostered partly through timely and accurate communication. Differing opinions are encouraged, discussed, and resolved promptly and professionally. Employees are informed of the steps taken in response to their concerns.   Attributes:   Respect is Evident: Everyone is treated with…...

Decisions that support or affect safety are systematic, rigorous, and thorough. Crews are vested with the authority and understand the expectation to place the train in a safe condition when faced with unexpected or uncertain conditions. Senior leaders support and reinforce safety conservative decisions.   Attributes:   Consistent Process: Individuals use a consistent, systematic approach…...

Executives and senior managers are committed to safety in their decisions and behaviors.   Executive and senior managers are the leading safety advocates and demonstrate their commitment in word and action. The safety message is communicated frequently and consistently as a stand-alone theme. Leaders throughout the organization set an example for living a life of…...

Communications focus on safety as a company value rather than a priority. Safety communication is broad and includes Service Unit-level communication, job-related communication, worker-level communication, equipment labeling, operating experience, and documentation. Leaders use formal and informal communication to convey the importance of safety being a personal value. The flow of information up the organization is…...

Individuals avoid complacency and continuously challenge existing conditions and activities to identify hazards and discrepancies that might result in error or inappropriate action. All employees are watchful for assumptions, anomalies, values, conditions, or activities that can adversely affect safety.   Attributes: Safety is Recognized as Special and Unique: Individuals understand that humans are complex and…...