Safety Improvements
There has been little progress to extend the application of the regulated safety management system (SMS) beyond scheduled airlines in Canada. SMS requirements are not applicable to foreign airlines in Canada, aerial applicators, on-demand charter operators, including air ambulance and scheduled business operators, scheduled airlines operating aircraft with 19 or fewer passenger seats, flight training units, and non-certified aerodromes. Over 90% of all Canadian commercial air operators and aerodromes are not required to operate with a safety management system.
Operating such a wide gap of different safety principles is a hazard to aviation safety, and widens the gap when SMS operators are integrated, or mixed with non-SMS operators. Scheduled airlines operate at airports with a safety management system but are authorized to use non-SMS airports as their alternate airports. Because over 90% of commercial aviation operators are not required to have an SMS, these operators, many of which are smaller, continue to miss opportunities to improve safety, and the likelihood of more fatalities and serious injuries remains high.
The aviation safety management system gives a false sense of safety and has become a tool to encourage complacency in the aviation industry since safety in operations and statistical analysis are only based on 10% of airport and airline operations.
Continuous and continual safety improvements are two core principles of a healthy safety management system. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Continuous improvement is mostly reactive and continuous improvement is mostly proactive.
Continuous improvement is to monitor (ongoing) processes and to make policy or process changes immediately as a deviations are noted. Applying this principle is overcontrolling of processes and a hazard in itself. Overcontrolling is to change processes with unacceptable severity levels as opposed to designing changes to frequency and likelihood levels. Example of overcontrolling is adding items to the flight crew’s checklist, or changes to the airside maintainer’s daily inspection checklist without system impact consideration.
Continual improvement is to establish regular, or scheduled, assessments to assess performance of the safety management system, conduct system analyses, and to make system level changes changes founded in the system analysis conclusion. A system level change includes policy, process, procedure, operations plans, and acceptable work practices. Continual improvement is a data driven approach to corrective action plans. It could take 12 months or more to collect data for a reliable system analysis. Operating over a long-term timeframe with a process that is less than imperfect may be hazardous to aviation, but this process comes with a lower hazard level than overcontrolling the process.
For SMS enterprises that conduct analyses of known special cause variations, including root cause analyses, and document these in their operations plans, have already conducted most of their data collection work for a data-driven approach and are ready to implement their corrective action plan relatively quickly. An effective SMS is to operate a virtual SMS 2-5 years ahead of schedule and adapt to continuous and continual safety improvements.
Flight Operational Quality Assurance system (FOQA) is a safety program designed to make commercial aviation safer by allowing commercial airlines and pilots to share de-identified aggregate information with the regulator for monitoring national trends in aircraft operations and target resources to address operational risk issues. Data is often scaled as low severity, medium severity and high severity level. In a FOQA program 80% of movements are without any FOQA triggers, and 20% of movements are contributing to 100% of all trigger levels for analysis.
When 90% of operators in the regulated aviation industry are not required to operate with a safety management system, and 80% of all aircraft movements are non-contributors to FOQA data, the data is unreliable for SMS analyses to establish actions for continuous and continual improvements.
Safety improvements needs to be based on why things go right, which is the foundation of safety in operations. When analysing why things go right, and SMS enterprise includes the 5-Ws and How in their analyses.
THE 4 FACTORS
The four factors to be considered and analysed for safety improvements are human factors, organizational factors, supervision factors and environmental factors.
HUMAN FACTORS
Human Factors improvements refer to the ways in which people interact with other people, hardware, software, systems, equipment, and environments.
Training and Education:
Regular training programs to keep workers updated on safety protocols and best practices. Using simulations to provide hands-on experience in dealing with potential hazards without real-world consequences. Training programs to make workers aware of common human errors and how to mitigate them. It is crucial to accept that human errors are symptoms of a conditions within the safety management system.
Human error is a symptom of trouble deeper inside a system or an organization. On the other hand, human error is also a symptom of a successful organization. There are organizations where human errors are integrated with the system and need to be there for the organization to exist and prosper. It is the system itself that is set up for human errors.
In an organization where there are overwhelming events of human errors, the organization operates within a system that is prone to these errors. Two examples are Daytona 500, or Reno Air Races, where the systems (race to win) are setting each driver and pilot up for human error, or a crash. Both the Daytona 500 and Reno Air Race organizers have requirements and systems in place to reduce harm to drivers, pilots, or spectators.
These systems are designed for human errors.
Imagine how successful Daytona 500 would be if the speed was limited to 50MPH, or if the Reno Air Race required airplanes to fly between gates separated a mile apart.
Workplace Design:
Designing workspaces and equipment to fit the capabilities and limitations of human workers, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue. Encourage that all safety signs and labels are clear, visible, and easily understandable to reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
Communication:
Implementing clear communication channels and protocols to encourage that important safety information is conveyed accurately and promptly. Creating a culture where personnel feel comfortable reporting safety concerns without fear of retribution.
Fatigue Management:
Designing work schedules to minimize fatigue and provide adequate rest periods. Training for personnel, including the accountable executive, to recognize signs of fatigue in themselves, and encouraging breaks when needed.
Pilots are regulated by hours of service and, except for long haul flights with multiple flight crew, must assure themselves that they are fit for duty for the duration of their flight.
The regulations typically cover factors such as flight time, duty time, rest periods, and maximum consecutive days of work. The specific rules can vary between countries, but many aviation authorities follow guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
For domestic flights, the limit is generally 8 hours of flight time during any 24 consecutive hours. For international flights, the limit can vary based on factors such as the number of flight crew members and the time zone crossings.
Duty time includes both flight time and non-flight time (such as pre-flight briefings and post-flight duties). The duty day limits depend on factors like the start time and number of flight segments.
Pilots are required to have a minimum rest period before starting their next duty day. The rest period may vary based on factors such as the number of time zone crossings.
These regulations may vary by the type of operation (e.g., commercial, cargo, or private).
Emergency Preparedness:
Regular drills and training exercises to encourage that workers are prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations. Ensuring that emergency procedures are well-documented, easily accessible, and understood by all personnel.
Human-Centric Policies:
Involving personnel in the decision-making process regarding safety policies, as the front-line workers they have valuable insights.
Behavioral Safety Programs:
Implementing positive reinforcement programs to encourage safe behavior and practices.
Monitoring and Feedback:
Regular audits to identify potential safety issues and address them proactively. Daily Rundown Quality Control system is a prerequisite for a reliable audit result. Implementing systems for personnel to provide feedback on safety procedures and suggest improvements.
Psychosocial Factors:
Fostering a positive safety culture where personnel feel empowered be actively involved in safety.
These safety improvements should be tailored to the specific needs and challenges of airport operations and airline operations. Regular reviews and adjustments are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of these measures over time.
ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS
Improving safety in an organization involves addressing various factors, including organizational factors.
Safety Culture:
Foster a culture where safety is paramount at all levels of the organization. This involves leadership commitment, open communication, and a shared belief in the importance of safety.
Leadership and Management:
Communication:
Establish clear and effective communication channels for safety-related information. This includes regular safety meetings, newsletters, and other forms of communication to keep personnel, including the accountable executive, informed.
Training and Education:
Provide regular safety training for all personnel, including the accountable executive. This should include training on new equipment, processes, procedures, and regulatory updates.
Conduct assessments to encourage that personnel are competent and have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks safely.
Personnel Involvement:
Encourage employee involvement in safety initiatives. Establish safety committees or involve personnel in safety inspections and incident investigations.
Conduct regular assessments of workplace hazards and risks. This includes identifying potential risks, evaluating their severity, and implementing measures to control or eliminate them.
Incident Reporting and Investigation:
Encourage a transparent reporting culture where personnel feel comfortable reporting incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions.
Thorough Investigations:
Conduct thorough investigations of incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Procedures and Policies:
Design and develop clear safety procedures and policies. Encourage personnel to be familiar with these procedures in their daily work.
Resources and Equipment:
Encourage airports and airlines to allocates sufficient resources, including time, personnel, and funding, to support safety initiatives. Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to assess its working condition and does not pose safety risks. Aircraft operations has standard checks and compliance inspections.
Continuous and Continual Improvement:
Establish mechanisms for collecting feedback from personnel regarding safety concerns and suggestions for improvement. Every occurrence report has a field for suggestions on how to improve safety. Continuously monitor and evaluate safety performance and make adjustments to safety programs based on lessons learned and changing conditions.
By addressing these organizational factors, companies can contribute to creating a safer and healthier work environment. Remember that a holistic and proactive approach to safety is essential for sustained improvements.
SUPERVISION FACTORS
Improving safety in supervision involves addressing various factors to create a secure and healthy work environment.
Training and Education:
Encourage that supervisors and managers receive proper training in safety protocols and procedures. Provide ongoing education on new regulations, standards, technologies, and acceptable work practices.
Communication:
Foster open communication channels between supervisors and personnel to discuss safety concerns. Establish a reporting system for near misses, incidents, and hazards affecting operations.
Risk Assessment:
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace. Involve supervisors in the risk assessment process to gain their insights and expertise.
Develop clear and comprehensive safety policies and procedures. Encourage that supervisors are well-versed in these policies and are competent to assess daily operation to policies.
Leadership Commitment:
Demonstrate commitment to safety at all levels of management, including supervisors. Encourage a safety culture that emphasizes the importance of well-being.
Resource Allocation:
Provide supervisors with the necessary resources and tools to maintain a safe work environment. Encourage that safety equipment is available and properly maintained.
Regular Inspections:
Conduct regular inspections of the workplace to identify and address potential hazards. Empower supervisors to take corrective actions based on inspection findings.
Behavioral Safety Programs:
Implement programs that focus on changing behaviors to promote safer practices. Train supervisors to recognize and address unsafe behaviors in their teams.
Emergency Preparedness:
Develop and regularly update emergency response plans. Encourage that supervisors are trained in emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
Wellness Programs:
Implement wellness programs that address physical and mental health. Encourage supervisors to promote a healthy work-life balance and stress management.
Incident Investigation:
Train supervisors in incident investigation techniques. Conduct thorough investigations of accidents or near misses to prevent future occurrences.
Recognition:
Establish systems to recognize supervisors and teams for maintaining a safe workplace. Use positive reinforcement to encourage safe behaviors.
Technology Integration:
Integrate safety technologies, such as sensors and monitoring systems, to identify and mitigate risks. Train supervisors to use and interpret data collected effectively.
Interpreting data effectively involves understanding the information it contains, drawing meaningful conclusions, and making informed decisions based on those conclusions.
Before diving into the data, understand the context in which it was collected.
Familiarize yourself with the data by exploring its structure, patterns, and distributions.
Cleanse the data by handling missing values, outliers, and any inconsistencies.
Clearly define the metrics and KPIs that align with your goals.
Use statistical process control (SPC), such as spcforexcel.com to analyze relationships, correlations, and trends within the data. Without SPC, safety is based on emotions and opinions only.
Create visual representations of the data using charts, graphs, and plots.
Compare different subsets of the data or different time periods to identify changes or patterns.
Take into account external factors that may impact the data.
Look for patterns and trends over time or across different variables. SPC is an acceptable system to discover patterns.
Check the robustness of your conclusions by applying sensitivity analysis or validating results using additional data sources.
Keep thorough documentation of your data interpretation process, including the methods used, assumptions made, and any limitations.
Communicate your findings in a clear and concise manner.
Effective data interpretation is an iterative process, and refining your approach based on feedback and new insights is crucial for continuous improvement.
Continuous Improvement:
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by regularly evaluating and refining safety processes. Encourage feedback from supervisors and personnel on safety initiatives.
By addressing these factors, organizations can enhance the effectiveness of supervision in maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
There are three fundamental principles of environmental factors.
Designed Environment
- User Friendly Environment, Design and Layout, Accessibility,
Social Environment
- Distancing, Background
Geographical Environment
- Geo Location, Weather, Wildlife
Improving safety in the workplace involves addressing various environmental factors to create a secure and healthy work environment.
Ergonomics:
Design workstations with ergonomic principles to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Provide adjustable chairs, desks, and computer monitors to accommodate different body types and promote good posture.
Lighting:
Use adequate and adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain and prevent accidents. Use natural light where possible and supplement with artificial lighting as needed.
Ventilation:
Maintain proper ventilation to encourage good air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory issues. Regularly clean and replace air filters and encourage proper circulation of fresh air.
Temperature Control:
Keep the workspace at a comfortable temperature to promote productivity and prevent discomfort. Provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for temperature regulation.
Noise Control:
Implement noise reduction measures, such as acoustic panels or sound-absorbing materials, to create a quieter workspace. Consider designated quiet areas or provide noise-canceling headphones for tasks that require concentration.
Chemical Exposure:
Identify and properly label hazardous substances in the workplace. Implement safe storage practices and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling dangerous chemicals.
Emergency Exits and Evacuation Plans:
Establish clear pathways to emergency exits and keep them unobstructed. Conduct regular drills to familiarize personnel with evacuation procedures.
Fire Safety:
Maintain fixed or portable fire detection and suppression systems. Educate personnel about fire safety practices and the location and use of fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
Keep work areas clean and organized to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Establish regular cleaning schedules and provide proper waste disposal facilities.
Training and Education:
Provide ongoing safety training for personnel to raise awareness of potential hazards and best practices. Encourage reporting of safety concerns and incidents.
Workplace Layout:
Design workspaces to minimize congestion and allow for easy movement. Clearly mark walkways and provide adequate spacing between workstations.
Technology and Equipment Safety:
Regularly inspect and maintain machinery and equipment to for safety standards compliance. Provide training on the proper use of tools and equipment.
Health and Wellness Programs:
Implement programs that promote employee well-being, such as fitness initiatives or mental health support. Provide comfortable break areas.
Regular assessments and updates to safety protocols are crucial to adapting to changing workplace needs and maintaining a safe environment for all personnel.
Safety improvements is about system analyses, it is about the future, it is about short term continuous improvement, and it is long-term forward-looking accountability continual improvements.
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