10.54 Culture

10.54.2 Identify the elements in a safety culture. 

Safety is a vital tool for aviation operators and staff.

To ensure this safety is achieved, a culture of safety must be established. 

However, a true and effective culture of safety is present only if and when each and every employee, no matter the level, is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment.

The following is an overview of the six key components of a safety culture.

1. Leadership Commitment & Investment

The executive team must set the tone by making safety a top priority, factor it into bottom-line goals and ensure their own commitment is clearly visible.

They should provide the resources – time, money and personnel – to achieve results and be actively involved in safety program activities alongside employees.

Supervisors and managers must lead by example and ensure that staff are trained or certified, as appropriate.

2. Empowered Employees

All employees must be personally responsible and accountable for workplace safety.

For this to happen, they must feel empowered and comfortable reporting unsafe conditions and providing suggestions for improvement without fear of retaliation, intimidation, harassment or discrimination.