International Helicopter Safety Team Safety Management System Toolkit

Continual Improvement
Much has been said throughout this document about continual improvement. It is a foundational element of a
robust SMS and needs to be addressed on a daily basis.
Performance Objective
The organization will promote continual improvement of its SMS through recurring application of
Safety Risk Management (Component 2.0), Safety Assurance (Component 3.0), and by using safety
lessons learned and communicating them to all personnel.
Input
CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT TABLE
The following table is extracted from the FAA SMS Program Office Assurance Guide.
Does the organization identify inputs (interfaces) for the Continual Improvement processes that are obtained through
continuous application of Safety Risk Management (Component 2.0), Safety Assurance (Component 3.0) and the
outputs of the SMS, including safety lessons learned? SMS Framework 1.5 B) 1) f) Old – SMS Standard 4.9 A 6) (I)
Management Responsibility
Does the organization clearly identify who is responsible for the quality of the continual improvement process?
SMS Framework 1.2 B) 3) Old – SMS Standard None (R/A)
Procedure
Does the organization continuously improve the effectiveness of the SMS and of safety risk controls through the
use of the safety and quality policies, objectives, audit and evaluation results, analysis of data, corrective and
preventive actions, and management reviews? SMS Framework 3.3 B) 1) Old - SMS Standard 6.8(P)
Does the organization develop safety lessons learned and - ? SMS Framework 3.3 B) 2) Old - SMS Standard 7.5.A (P)
Use safety lessons learned to promote continuous improvement of safety? SMS Framework 3.3 B) 2) a) Old - SMS
Standard 7.5.B (P)
Ensure that safety lessons learned are communicated to all personnel? SMS Framework 3.3 B) 2) b) & 4.2 Old -
SMS Standard 7.5.C (P)
Outputs & Measures
Does the organization ensure that trend analysis of safety and quality policies, objectives, audit and evaluation
results, analysis of data, and corrective and preventive actions are interfaced with management reviews (3.1.10)?
SMS Framework 1.5 B) 1) f) Old – SMS Standard 4.9 A (6) (I)
Does the organization periodically measure performance objectives and design expectations of the continual
improvement process? See note at 3.1.3 & SMS Framework 1.0 B) 2) (c) and 3) (c); 3.1.3 B) 1) Old – SMS Standard
4.1 B) 3 & C) 3; 6.3.2 A & 6.3.3 (PM/I)
Controls
Does the organization ensure procedures are followed for safety-related operations and activities? SMS Framework:
1.0 B) 4) f) Old – 4.7 B (C)
Does management periodically review supervisory and operational controls to ensure the effectiveness of the
continual improvement process? SMS Framework 1.1 B) 2) k), 3.1.3 B) 1) and 3.1.10 A) & B) Old – SMS Standard
6.3.3 A) and 6.7 (C)
Bottom Line Assessment
Has the organization promoted continual improvement of its SMS through recurring application of Safety Risk Management
(Component 2.0), Safety Assurance (Component 3.0), and by using safety lessons learned and communicating them to
all personnel?
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