Safety Manager training

The person selected as the SM will need to be familiar with most aspects of the organisation, its activities and personnel. These requirements may be met in-house or from external courses, however, much of the SM’s knowledge will be acquired by self-education.

Areas where SMs may require formal training include:

• SMS training course
• HF principles;
• integration of HF into an SMS;
• understanding the role of human performance in accident prevention and causation;
• familiarisation with different fleets, types of operations, routes, etc.;
• development, implementation, operation and maintenance of an SMS;
• accident and incident investigation;
• crisis management and emergency response planning;
• safety promotion;
• communication skills;
• computer skills such as word-processing, spreadsheets and database management; and
• specialised training or familiarisation in, for example, Crew Resource Management (CRM), Threat and Error Management (TEM), Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS), Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) and accident and incident investigation.

Legislation does not specify SMS training requirements however CAAP SMS-01 and AC119-01 provide guidance.  Ultimately it will come down to subjective assessment by CASA as to the suitability of the Safety Manager.