Safety Professional’s Perception of the Relationship Between Safety Management Systems and Safety Culture

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the relationship between the elements/processes of safety management systems (SMSs) and their impact on safety culture at collegiate flight training institutions. Research questions addressed the following: different approaches to developing and implementing an SMS, different approaches to the assessment of safety culture, and the relationship between elements/processes of an SMS and a strong safety culture. A semistructured interview protocol was used. The researcher interviewed five safety professionals at U.S. collegiate flight training institutions of various sizes. Overall, the general consensus among the participants was that an SMS works best if it is implemented over time. A confidential hazard reporting system and the use of the five-step Safety Risk Management (SRM) process were viewed as important aspects to help build a strong safety culture. Other elements and processes were identified as having a strong relationship to safety culture as well. The participants revealed when their institution experienced a cultural change during SMS development. The study also provides recommendations for establishing a SMS.