Element 1.3
1.3 Appointment of key safety personnel
The size and complexity of an organisation will determine the number of key safety personnel. Obviously the bigger and more complex, the greater the safety department will require, with dedicated safety employees.
At the other end of the scale, a small non-complex organisation may only require a safety manager who holds one or multiple other roles.
The commitment to safety is measured in ways other than how many persons are employed for the purpose. It is possible to have a highly functioning SMS with minimal persons so long as the processes and procedures are effective and all personnel are cognizant of them.
The safety manager
Regardless of the size and complexity of the organisation, a person will be required to manage safety albeit as a full time or part time role. That person will need to be given recognition and resources to manage the SMS and be appointed Safety Manager (SM)
The role, responsibilities, qualifications, required training and even recommended personality traits are clearly described in AC 119-01 v1.1
- Safety Manager training
- Safety Manager competencies
- Safety Manager roles and responsibilities
- Safety Manager personal traits
The SM must have direct access to the CEO. This is an essential link so that safety matters are viewed independent of operational issues and influences. The SM will be highly visible throughout the organisation and clearly support from all levels of management is vital. When representing the role, SM must be viewed in context and separate to any other position they may hold in the organisation.
Again, depending on the size and complexity, the SM may require a deputy SM and perhaps even other support staff. It is important to note that the SM is not the sole person responsible for safety in the organisation. – each person is included in that role – but the SM will co-ordinate all safety related activities and ensure the SMS functions effectively.
Just as the CFO is not there to make a company profitable, the SM is not there to make a company safe, they are there to manage finance and safety respectively. More on this as we progress.