The Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, operating, and continuously improving the organization’s SMS. They should act as a focal point for safety in the organization. Typically, the Safety Manager is required to be competent and responsible for the following:
- Managing the SMS implementation plan on behalf of the Chief Executive;
- Facilitating the risk management process (hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control) and ensuring cohesive implementation throughout the organization;
- Managing safety performance processes;
- Monitoring corrective and preventative actions to ensure their accomplishment;
- Maintaining safety documentation;
- Ensuring appropriate safety management training is provided;
- Providing independent advice on safety matters;
- Overseeing safety management processes;
- Ensuring the appropriate involvement in safety investigations;
- Monitoring safety concerns in the aviation industry and their perceived impact on the organization’s operations and
- Coordinating and communicating (on behalf of the Accountable Executive) internally and externally.
In addition to the above, the safety manager must understand the organization’s operation and related safety-critical tasks and systems, as well as be competent regarding safety management principles. Some key skills/experience should be taken into consideration to complement the professional expertise of the Safety Manager:
- Professional knowledge of the organization’s specific products, services, operations, and environment;
- Regulatory knowledge;
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities;
- Inter and intra-organization project management skills;
- People-oriented skills such as objectivity, fairness, etc.; and
- Communication skills, both written and oral.
The training syllabus should consider the organization’s complexity and the training needs analysis for the position.
Content for Safety Management Training for Safety Manager
Safety Management Principles and Practices
- The need for SMS;
- What is different about SMS;
- Relationship/integration with other management systems;
- Key principles and processes; and
- Regulatory requirements.
The Organization’s SMS, including:
- Safety policy, goals, and objective;
- Safety roles and responsibilities;
- Emergency response planning, when appropriate;
- Documentation;
- Risk management;
- Safety assurance and measurement;
- Safety reporting; and
- Safety communication and training.
Safety Risk Management Principles
- Hazard identification, risk assessment, and control
Safety Investigation Principles
- Human Performance
- Human factors;
- Understanding the role of the human in safety;
- Human behavior and performance; and
- Error management
Safety Culture
Source: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/rules/advisory-circulars/show/AC100-1
