In essence, Quality Assurance is about determining gaps in the SMS elements based on non-compliance with regulatory or organizational requirements. It is looking at weaknesses in the safety management system, which increases risk.
Like the quality assurance process, the safety assurance process includes requirements for analysis, documentation, auditing, and management review to meet performance criteria. Safety assurance monitors the effectiveness of safety risk mitigations/controls. There are three (3) primary strategies we can use to maintain a healthy SMS:
