How would one know if their SMS is working?
Record and test. Sounds simple but requires a way to measure.
First, let’s look at SMS as a three legged milk stool. SMS is the seat and the legs represent the following;
Leg one...define the standards. Standards are the regulations, best practices, industry, insurance and company. What are we required to do?
Leg two...develop procedures to comply with the standards. How will we define what we are required to do and how are we going to do it? Empower individuals with proper authority and responsibilities to manage the process.
Leg three...develop a recording process (hazards reports, continuous improvement reports, internal audits etc.) that define your ways to address the procedures that address the standards. Finally test the process...are we doing what we say, do we close the loop (issues defined are addressed and closed).
All three legs are required to support the system.