What Is Safety Risk Management in Aviation SMS?
Understanding Safety Risk Management
Safety Risk Management (SRM) is a critical pillar of aviation SMS, focusing on proactively identifying and controlling risks to ensure safe operations and compliance with standards like ICAO, FAA, and EASA. It encompasses hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of control measures, all underpinned by robust documentation. SRM is essential for aviation service providers to maintain certifications, retain customers, and avoid financial losses. SMS Pro’s Safety Risk Management System automates these processes, saving 20–30 hours/month and reducing compliance costs by $10,000–$50,000 annually, as seen in implementations at regional airlines and airports.
Objectives of Safety Risk Management
The primary objective of SRM is to control risks surrounding aviation operations, ensuring safety and business continuity. Without effective SRM, providers risk losing their operating certificates or customers due to incidents or audit failures. Key activities include:
- Hazard Identification: Recognizing potential dangers, such as runway incursions or equipment failures, using SMS Pro’s Hazard/Risk Register.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating the probability and severity of risk scenarios with Risk Analysis Charts and risk matrices.
- Control Measures: Implementing and documenting mitigations, such as training or process changes, via SMS Pro’s Management of Change.
Documentation is crucial, as it provides audit-ready evidence of compliance, reducing findings by 30%, as demonstrated by FBOs using SMS Pro.
Systems and Processes in SRM
Effective SRM begins with understanding the “processes and systems” an aviation provider is exposed to, including:
A “system description” created by subject-matter experts (e.g., department heads) serves as the starting point for hazard identification. SMS Pro’s Safety Assurance System supports experts in documenting and reviewing these systems, ensuring routine updates and compliance.
Role of Subject-Matter Experts
SRM is not solely the responsibility of the safety team but requires active involvement from subject-matter experts, such as department heads overseeing operations, maintenance, or training. These experts:
- Perform routine hazard identification and reviews, using SMS Pro’s Hazard/Risk Register.
- Initiate a formal Management of Change process when risks are intolerable or operations change, ensuring documented updates.
SMS Pro’s tools enable experts to collaborate seamlessly, increasing reporting by 56% and ensuring audit-ready documentation, as seen in major airports implementing SRM.
SMS Pro: Your SRM Solution
SMS Pro, developed by NorthWest Data Solutions, offers the industry’s best web-based tools for safety risk management. From hazard reporting to risk analysis and predictive analytics, SMS Pro’s secure, scalable, and user-friendly database reduces documentation time by 40% and ensures compliance with FAA, EASA, and ICAO standards. Trusted by 450+ organizations worldwide, with plans starting at $0/month, SMS Pro is the go-to solution for SRM. Explore pricing plans to find the perfect fit.
What Our Customers Say
“SMS Pro’s Hazard/Risk Register transformed our SRM, cutting incident rates by 30% and ensuring ICAO compliance.”
— Krista Best, Safety Manager, Regional Airline
“The Risk Analysis Charts streamlined our assessments, saving $15,000 in compliance costs. Outstanding tools!”
— Fred Startz, Airport Safety Director
“SMS Pro’s Management of Change made SRM updates seamless, boosting our safety culture significantly.”
— Kellie N. Roby, FBO Safety Coordinator
“As a Canadian operator, SMS Pro’s SRM tools ensured compliance and simplified documentation.”
— Canadian Operator
Trusted by over 450 aviation organizations. See more customer reviews.
Aviation Safety Risk Management Modules