International Helicopter Safety Team Safety Management System Toolkit

It is wise when making initial changes to go for the
short-term wins. Short-term wins create confidence in
the process and help motivate others to join in the
change effort in this and other areas as change
moves forward.
The choice for the first area of implementation is
important and has a meaningful impact on safety. But
even more important is that it be achievable. It is valuable
to consider the entire operation and choose an
area that represents a significant portion of the organization’s
risk exposure, i.e. flight operations. The
team is going for a big win, so be aware that going
after too big of a program can be risky.
MOC Phases
The Management of Change (MOC) process
has four basic phases: screening, review, approval
and implementation. Both the effect of change and
the effect of implementing change are considered.
The systematic approach to managing and monitoring
organizational change is part of the risk
management process.
Safety issues associated with change are identified
and standards associated with change are maintained
during the change process. Procedures for managing
change include:
Risk assessment
Identifying the goals, objectives and nature of the
proposed change
Identifying operational procedures
Analyzing changes in location, equipment or
operating conditions
Posting current changes in maintenance and
operator manuals
All personnel being made aware of and
understanding changes
Identifying the level of management with authority
to approve changes
Reviewing, evaluating and recording potential safety
hazards from the change or its implementation
Approval of the agreed change and the
implementation procedure(s)
There are methods for managing the introduction
of new technology. All personnel should be
consulted when changes to the work environment,
process or practices could have health or safety
implications. Changes to resource levels and
competencies associated with risks are assessed as
part of the change control procedure.
Regardless of the magnitude of change there
must always be consideration for safety, the associated
risks and the management of change principles.
Change can only be successful if personnel
are engaged, involved and participate in the
process management. Management of change
provides a structured framework for managing all
aspects of the change. How change is introduced
dramatically impacts the implementation and the
effectiveness of the outcome.
Procedures are established and maintained to
manage change with a specific focus on safety
and risk. Throughout the process, it is important all
personnel involved have an accurate understanding
of “what” must be changed and “why” it must
be changed. It is imperative that management
personnel provide direction, guidance and indepth
communication.
The structure and responsibilities associated
with change are defined prior to introducing any
change. It is important to recognize the complexity
of change prior to, during and subsequent to the
change itself. Anticipate unintended consequences
and the necessity to redirect the process if change
fails. Change can fail for many reasons, some of
which are as follows:
Lack of top down support
Loss of control
Insufficient resources
Commitment changes
Poor communication of the process
Lack of clarity and consistency
Lack of understanding
Insufficient risk analysis
Timelines too aggressive
The systematic approach to managing and
monitoring organizational change is part of the
risk management process. Safety issues associated
with change are identified and standards associated
with change are maintained throughout the
management of change process.
62 SMS Toolkit