Written by:Chris Howell
6/7/2009 6:14 AM 

SMS Policies are an important part of any aviation SMS. Without understanding the "purpose" of an effective aviation organization, one won't be able to realize the importance of policies.  Many younger folks in your organization may see policies as a way for management to "control behavior." However, it is generally understood that effective aviation SMSs will fail unless they are based on a written non-punitive reporting policy. "Show it to me in writing!"

Purpose and policies of aviation organizations are the basic foundation for progress and usefulness of the aviation service provider's existence. Purpose is vision of the goal to be attained; policies are the plan of action or ways for the aviation administration by which visions are to evolve into accomplishments.

NWDS believe that if the tool is not user-friendly and easy to use, it will not be used! and our effort is wasted. With this in mind, NWDS places SMS policies where they do the most good--right in the application where they are most visible and relevant. For expample, the "Non-Punitive Reporting Policy" is the first screen users see when the enter the SMS Hazard Reporting System. In addition, if you belong to the Safety Manager Role, you will be able to edit the template in place without hunting for the non-punitive reporting policy in your manuals. SMS Pro is EASY to use and very user-friendly.

If an organization doesn't have a current "Non-Punitive Reporting Policy," NWDS provides a free template for the asking. Pretty cool, eh? Our template was created by the FAA, ICAO or Transport Canada. It has been with us for so many years that I've forgotten the source. If you belong to the FAA, ICAO or Transport Canada, (or even CASA), please don't be disturbed if you recognize your Non-Punitive Reporting Policy Template. Of course, we encourage our clients to put their own name in the template.

Below is what we provide in SMS Pro as our template:

At World Aviation, our objective is to cultivate and foster a generative safety culture in which employees and customers are comfortable and encouraged to bring safety concerns to the attention of management.

No person will be penalized or retaliated against for bringing safety issues to the attention of management.

• Safe flight operations are World Aviation’s most important commitment. To ensure this commitment, it is imperative that we have uninhibited reporting of all incidents and occurrences that compromise the safety of our operations.
  
  
• We ask that each employee accept the responsibility to communicate any information that may affect the integrity of flight safety. Employees must be assured that this communication will never result in reprisal, thus allowing a timely, uninhibited flow of information to occur.
  
  
• All employees are advised that World Aviation will not initiate disciplinary action against an employee who discloses an incident or occurrence involving flight safety. This policy cannot apply to criminal, international or regulatory infractions.
  
  
• World Aviation has developed safety reports to be used by all employees for reporting information concerning flight safety. They are designed to protect the identity of the employee who provides information. These forms are readily available in your work area.
  
  
• We urge all employees to use this program to help World Aviation continue its leadership in providing our customers and employees with the highest level of flight safety.

 For additional information on NWDS visit our website atwww.nwds-ak.com and www.aviation-sms.com to learn more about SMS Pro™.

Copyright ©2009 Best FAA, ICAO, Transport Canada Compliant SMS

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