What is a Safety Management System (SMS)?

A Safety Management System (SMS) is a structured framework that helps organisations manage safety risks and ensure the well-being of employees, contractors, and the public. It is designed to identify, assess, control, and monitor workplace hazards and minimise the potential for accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

Key components of a Safety Management System include a Work, Health and Safety Policy which is a documented commitment by top management to prioritise safety. The policy outlines the organisation’s safety objectives, responsibilities, and the overall approach to achieving safety goals.

Risk Management, a systematic process for identifying workplace hazards, assessing associated risks, and implementing control measures to mitigate or eliminate risks. This involves risk assessments, hazard identification, and safety planning.

Safety Assurance which is ongoing monitoring and evaluation of safety performance to ensure that the safety system is effective and continually improving. It includes audits, inspections, and the investigation of incidents or near-misses. Incident Reporting and Investigation is a formal process for reporting, documenting, and investigating accidents, incidents, or near-misses. This helps organisations understand root causes and prevent future occurrences.

Documentation and Record Keeping by maintaining detailed records of safety policies, risk assessments, incident reports, audits, and safety training. Proper documentation ensures compliance with regulations and provides data for continuous improvement.

Emergency Preparedness by establishing procedures and plans for dealing with emergencies such as fires, explosions, chemical spills, or other crises. This includes regular drills and ensuring employees know how to respond in emergency situations.

The SMS should be reviewed and updated regularly based on performance data, incident analysis, and changes in regulations. This ensures that the system evolves and adapts to new risks or operational changes.