What is the purpose of an operational safety management system?

The purpose of an operational safety management system is to proactively manage safety risks within an aviation environment. This approach emphasizes identifying potential hazards before they lead to incidents or accidents. By integrating safety management into everyday operations, this system provides the framework for continuous safety improvement, allowing organizations to analyze data relating to safety performance and implement necessary changes.

A proactive management style means that organizations can anticipate and mitigate risks rather than merely reacting to incidents after they occur. This type of systematic approach ensures that safety considerations are embedded in all levels of operations, ultimately leading to a culture of safety awareness that enhances overall operational effectiveness and employee confidence.

In contrast, scheduling pilot flights and reducing operational costs, while important for an organization, do not encompass the primary goal of a safety management system. Similarly, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations focuses more on environmental safety rather than the direct management of operational safety risks, indicating a different area of regulatory focus altogether.