Safety management systems in the aviation industry : a case study of their implementation and outcomes in a small state

Abstract

The research comes from a genuine need to address the process of the implementation of aviation safety management systems (SMS) as proposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) within the context of the Maltese aviation industry. The phased implementation by ICAO has been subject to numerous delays and setbacks while the industry itself, globally has avoided and resisted the development of a system that is perceived to duplicate, stress and compete with existing aviation safety programmes for resources. This creates an internal pressure and resistance to SMS systems that is combined with the lack of understanding and clarity within the industry as to what an SMS actually is. This is particularly true for middle management whom, as agents of change are often the most uninformed about the SMS process. The mechanistic structures of the industry, the ad-hoc operation changes made by these day-to-day managers conspire create increasing levels of system/role ambiguity. The study utilizes questionnaires, interviews and research instruments to determine elements of confusion, competing demands, system complexity, failed system expectations and reduced safety in terms of capability and scope visible across the contexts of roles and departmental divides. These themes which occur in current safety management and aviation safety literature are developed as indicators of the problems faced during SMS implementation. Results support the incidence of problems consistent with the wider aviation industry and identifies a difficulty in resolving occupational health and safety with aviation/passenger safety. The findings are then used to generate discussion and recommendations to support specific needs.