Safety Managers need an annual safety plan. How else can a safety manager stay ahead of problems affecting operational safety? But a plan must have its basis in a forecast of things to come. But how can a safety manager forecast safety problems if they have not occurred? This is the purpose of this blog. This blog will recommend methods for creating an annual safety forecast and from this basis, the safety manager will have a way to create an annual safety plan.
One of the best ways to maintain a mishap free operation is to maintain a vigorous safety forecast and a robust annual safety plan. The work put into the forecast and plan will be enormous. But the work put into mishap investigations is staggering, often fruitless and always time late.
So join the discussion with me as we share ways to create your own safety forecast and from it, your own safety plan. Paul Miller
Friday, April 10, 2009
Plans
A Plan looks both backward in time and forward in time. A Safety Plan looks backward at what has happened and what is currently happening. Then it looks forward in time at what probably will happen. The element of probability often is a calculation with some difficulty. But from a simple point of view, examples can help. If I stand in traffic in a busy highway, would it be probable to be hit by a car or truck? Most of us would say yes, highways have high traffic occurrence. The probability is high.
On the other hand if we stand in a quiet side street, would we be hit? Slower, less frequent and more courteous traffic might lead us to say only maybe or even no. Lets change the problem to a fit and aware athlete. Would that change your conclusion? What about a small child or an elderly person with impaired vision?
Each factor changes the problem. In like manner, each facet of your operation might change the nature of your planning. For example how important is training? Can a well trained flight crew handle more difficult situations successfully? Is better maintained equipment a factor? Is technology important?
A plan must be a plan for success, one which guarantees success, one which enhances your chances of success to the highest level possible.
On the other hand if we stand in a quiet side street, would we be hit? Slower, less frequent and more courteous traffic might lead us to say only maybe or even no. Lets change the problem to a fit and aware athlete. Would that change your conclusion? What about a small child or an elderly person with impaired vision?
Each factor changes the problem. In like manner, each facet of your operation might change the nature of your planning. For example how important is training? Can a well trained flight crew handle more difficult situations successfully? Is better maintained equipment a factor? Is technology important?
A plan must be a plan for success, one which guarantees success, one which enhances your chances of success to the highest level possible.
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