What is the main purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) at United Airlines?

The main purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) at United Airlines is to proactively identify and address safety risks. This systematic approach allows the airline to foresee potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate them before incidents occur. By focusing on proactive risk management, SMS enhances the overall safety culture within the organization, encouraging a continuous process of improvement.

A fundamental aspect of an effective SMS is its ability to analyze safety data, foster open communication among employees about safety concerns, and establish protocols for monitoring and reporting potential safety risks. This proactive stance not only enhances the safety of operations but also builds the confidence of both employees and passengers in the airline's commitment to safety.

While reacting to safety issues is an important part of any safety strategy, a proactive methodology is essential for lasting safety improvements. Similarly, managing costs associated with safety training and simplifying employee workloads are important operational concerns but do not capture the primary focus of an SMS, which is to ensure safety through risk management and preventive measures.