At MYCAS, maintaining a safe and efficient working environment is a shared responsibility, and a strong Safety Management System (SMS) is at the core of that effort. However, for our SMS to function effectively, it requires more than just procedures and policies; it depends on active and ongoing support from top management.
When leadership is engaged in safety efforts, it strengthens the culture throughout the entire organization. Below are six key ways the Safety Department works to ensure that management remains committed to our SMS—and how that support benefits all employees.
1. Aligning Safety with Business Goals
Demonstrating how safety initiatives directly support the company’s overall objectives is essential. A well-implemented SMS:
Reduces incidents, downtime, and associated costs
Helps avoid regulatory penalties and legal issues
Enhances our company’s reputation with clients, partners, and regulatory bodies
Identifies operational inefficiencies before they escalate into serious problems
When safety is shown to add real business value, it earns long-term support from leadership.
2. Educating Leadership About SMS
Not all executives are familiar with how SMS works. The Safety Department regularly engages with management to explain the system’s purpose and value. This includes:
Simplifying SMS concepts to highlight their proactive nature
Emphasizing regulatory requirements from ICAO and local authorities
Sharing examples of how strong safety systems lead to operational excellence
Offering concise briefings and educational resources for clarity
3. Positioning SMS as a Strategic Asset
SMS is more than a compliance requirement—it is a key part of how [Your Company Name] manages risk, maintains quality, and ensures operational continuity. By integrating safety into strategic planning, the organization builds long-term resilience.
4. Providing Meaningful Safety Metrics
The Safety Department tracks and reports on key safety performance indicators (SPIs) that reflect real-world conditions. These metrics help leadership understand where safety efforts are succeeding and where additional attention is needed.
5. Keeping Safety Communication Consistent
Regular updates are provided to management to maintain visibility and engagement in ongoing safety efforts. Transparent communication ensures safety remains a consistent focus at all levels of the organization.
6. Leveraging External Support and Best Practices
To strengthen internal efforts, the Safety Department incorporates insights from external experts, training programs, and aviation safety benchmarks. This ensures our SMS aligns with international standards and evolves alongside industry expectations.
Top-level support creates a safer, more proactive workplace for everyone. It enables quicker responses to safety concerns, provides necessary resources, and reinforces a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.
As we continue to celebrate the joyous occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, MYCAS SMS would like to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to all staff.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
We hope that this special time of the year has been filled with joy, peace, and meaningful moments with your loved ones. Whether you are reconnecting with family, enjoying traditional meals, or simply taking time to rest, we hope this festive season brings you happiness and renewal.
While the festivities are in full swing, it's a great time to remember the importance of coming together as a community, both at home and in the workplace. Hari Raya is a time for gratitude, forgiveness, and reflection. As we enjoy this beautiful season, let’s continue to support and uplift each other, sharing the spirit of kindness and unity that Hari Raya brings.
MYCAS SMS is here to support you as we all continue celebrating safely and joyfully. Let's ensure that we stay mindful of each other’s well-being; mentally, emotionally, and physically, and bring this positive energy with us as we move forward into the rest of the year.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued Safety Information 03/2025 on 4 March 2025, emphasizing the critical importance of safely transporting lithium-ion batteries, particularly power banks, during air travel. This directive follows a recent incident involving an Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport on 28 January 2025, where a fire broke out in the aft fuselage before departure to Hong Kong. While the exact cause remains under investigation, lithium-ion batteries are suspected, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures.
Airline operators are urged to enhance passenger awareness and ensure strict adherence to guidelines regarding the carriage of lithium-ion batteries. This includes reinforcing proper handling procedures, educating passengers on storage requirements, and ensuring that power banks and spare batteries are carried only in carry-on baggage, as they are strictly prohibited in checked luggage.
You can read the full details in the document linked below:
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued Safety Information 03/2025 REV 2 on 24 January 2025, providing critical guidance for foreign-registered aircraft operating under General Aviation in Malaysia. This update comes in response to recent safety incidents and aims to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with Malaysian aviation standards. Operators and owners of foreign-registered aircraft are advised to familiarize themselves with the revised provisions, which include increased surveillance measures and a temporary extension for operations without hire or reward until 26 July 2025.
You can read the full details in the document below.
As the calendar turns and we welcome 2025, the MYCAS family takes a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead with renewed focus and optimism.
The past year was a testament to the power of resilience, teamwork, and shared responsibility. In every operation, in every corner of our work, safety remained the guiding principle. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, MYCAS maintained its commitment to the highest standards of care and operational excellence.
From enhancing safety protocols to supporting one another through challenges, we’ve grown stronger as a team. Each effort, no matter how small, played a part in protecting lives and shaping a safer future in our field.
This year, we aim to build on what we’ve achieved. Our focus remains sharp, with new goals and initiatives to:
Strengthen proactive safety culture
Expand training and knowledge sharing
Foster mental health awareness and support
Embrace innovation and continuous improvement
Let 2025 be a year where we not only work safely, but also thrive together, both as professionals and as people.
Wishing You a Happy and Safe New Year!
To all MYCAS staff, partners, and stakeholders thank you for your continued support and trust. May 2025 bring you peace, good health, and professional fulfillment.
Stay safe, stay inspired, and let’s soar higher together.
Promoting a Culture of Well-being and Support
The aviation industry is one of the most demanding and high-stakes environments in the world. Pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance crews, cabin staff, and safety managers alike are responsible for ensuring the safety of thousands of lives every day. With such responsibility comes intense pressure — and with pressure, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated.
Why Mental Health Matters in Aviation
Unlike mechanical or procedural issues, mental health challenges are often invisible — yet they can have just as profound an impact on performance and safety. Stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are all realities that aviation professionals may face, often in silence.
When ignored, these issues can lead to:
Reduced concentration and decision-making ability
Burnout and absenteeism
Increased risk of errors or safety lapses
Strained communication and teamwork
In an industry where clarity, calm, and quick thinking are essential, supporting mental well-being is just as critical as maintaining physical safety protocols.
Recognizing the Signs
One of the most important steps toward supporting mental health is being able to recognize early warning signs, in yourself and in your colleagues. These might include:
Persistent fatigue or trouble sleeping
Sudden changes in mood or behavior
Withdrawing from team interactions
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Physical symptoms like headaches or chest tightness with no medical cause
Encouraging a workplace culture where it’s okay to speak up and check in can help catch these signs early and prevent escalation.
Managing Stress in the Workplace
Aviation professionals are trained to manage emergencies, but managing stress should be part of the training too. Here are a few effective strategies to promote mental well-being:
Regular rest and proper scheduling to prevent fatigue
Peer support programs and open lines of communication
Access to professional counseling services
Mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition programs
Workshops on stress management and resilience
Building a Supportive Culture
Leadership plays a key role in shaping attitudes toward mental health. At MYCAS, we aim to:
Normalize conversations about mental well-being
Encourage leaders and supervisors to model healthy behaviors
Provide accessible support resources without stigma
Foster an environment where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness
The Bigger Picture
Mental health isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a safety issue, a performance issue, and a workplace culture issue. By prioritizing mental well-being, we’re not just helping individuals, we’re building a safer, stronger, more resilient aviation industry.
Let’s support one another, look out for signs, and never hesitate to reach out. Because when we care for each other, we all rise higher.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued Safety Information 15/2024, introducing stringent safety measures concerning the use of rideable smart baggage—commonly known as scooter luggage—within airport premises. While these devices offer convenience to passengers, their operation in restricted areas, particularly airport aprons, poses significant safety hazards due to the complex environment involving heavy machinery, moving aircraft, and ground service vehicles. To mitigate these risks, CAAM has prohibited the use of smart baggage as a mode of transportation on the apron and has outlined specific guidelines for its usage in designated areas. This directive aims to enhance airport safety and ensure a secure operating environment for all personnel and equipment.
For detailed information on the safety measures and compliance guidelines, refer to the full directive: SI-15_2024 Safety Measures for the Use of Smart Baggage.
Strains and sprains are among the most common workplace injuries, often caused by poor ergonomics, repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and prolonged sitting or standing. Whether in an office, a workshop, or an industrial setting, improving ergonomics can significantly reduce these risks, enhancing both safety and productivity.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. The goal is to optimize human well-being and system performance. A well-designed workstation or job process reduces fatigue, discomfort, and the risk of injury.
Common Ergonomic Risk Factors
Repetitive motions (e.g., typing, tool use)
Awkward postures (e.g., hunching over a desk, overreaching)
Forceful exertions (e.g., heavy lifting, pushing, pulling)
Static postures (e.g., sitting/standing too long)
Poor workstation setup
Preventive Strategies
Office/Desk-Based Roles
Adjust chair height so feet are flat on the floor and knees are at a 90° angle.
Keep monitor at eye level and about an arm's length away.
Use a keyboard tray or wrist support to maintain neutral wrist position.
Take micro-breaks every 30 minutes to stretch or stand.
Industrial/Manual Work
Use mechanical aids (hoists, carts) to lift heavy loads.
Store heavy items at waist height to minimize bending or reaching.
Rotate tasks to avoid repetitive strain.
Train workers on proper lifting techniques (e.g., lift with legs, not back).
General Best Practices
Encourage employees to report discomfort early.
Promote stretching routines before and during shifts.
Conduct regular ergonomic assessments of workstations.
Involve employees in identifying and solving ergonomic issues.
Ergonomic Tools & Aids
Adjustable chairs & desks (sit-stand options)
Anti-fatigue mats (for standing workers)
Ergonomic keyboards/mice
Proper PPE (e.g., back supports, knee pads)
Real-World Example
In a recent case at an aviation maintenance facility, several technicians experienced shoulder and lower back discomfort. After an ergonomic assessment, the facility introduced adjustable work platforms and scheduled task rotation every 2 hours. Within three months, reported strain injuries dropped by 40%.
Investing in workplace ergonomics is an investment in your people. By proactively addressing ergonomic risks, we not only prevent injuries but also foster a safer, more productive work environment. Let’s work smart—comfort leads to confidence and quality.
In line with our ongoing commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence, we urge all employees, particularly flight crew and operational personnel, to review the latest Safety Information (SI) 13/2024 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
This advisory highlights the increasing concern of cockpit distractions during critical phases of flight, particularly during take-off, approach, and landing. These moments demand our fullest attention, and any lapse, however brief, can compromise safety.
We encourage everyone to read the full bulletin and take the necessary steps to reinforce discipline, situational awareness, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Let’s stay alert, stay professional, and continue making safety our top priority.
https://www.caam.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SI-13_2024-Cockpit-Distraction-During-Critical-Phase-of-Flight.pdf
Fire safety education and training Is a structured strategy or training program designed to teach individuals how to prevent, respond, and reduce the risk associated with fires. All fire safety programs must consist of the identification of fire hazards, safe practices, and immediate emergency responses to correctly handle fire equipment to organize evacuations.
Learn the importance of fire safety training to ensure your safety is not at risk wherever you go.
Importance Of Fire Safety Training
The need for effective fire safety training procedures is increasing day by day. Taking into the statistics provided by OSHA that, there are more than 200 fire incidents in the workplace every day with over 5,000 individuals getting injured annually. Looking at these numbers, the importance of fire safety education and training is a must.
Saves Lives:
The primary objective of any fire safety program is to safeguard the employees from harm. When workers are aware of basic safety procedures like securing the nearest exit, they can protect themselves in the case of a fire. Simple fire safety procedures like knowing how to use fire suppression equipment or implementing evacuation procedures can contribute to saving lives.
Preserves Property:
Fire property damage was recorded around 16,500 store and office fires amounted to around 932 million dollars in property damage. By building a strategic fire training program, organizations and companies can minimize financial losses due to property damage and invest in repairs. When your workers have a basic understanding of how to respond in the event of a fire, multiple risks can be eliminated.
Boost Employee Morale:
Employees aware of fire procedures or skills such as equipment for fire safety can make quick decisions and feel more confident when responding to emergencies. Investing in employee fire safety practices and education can ultimately enable your workers to perform better knowing their safety is ensured at all times.
In Regulation With The Law:
As part of being a responsible employer, it’s part of your responsibility to provide adequate, up-to-date fire safety training regulations. Alongside investing in fire safety training, mount up prominent exit signage along with providing fire extinguishers in every room. Any form of non-compliance will incur litigation costs, legal penalties, and insurance complications.
Whether you're working behind a desk or turning wrenches in the hangar, fire safety is everyone's responsibility. In aviation, things move fast—but safety should never take a back seat. This infographic breaks down simple, practical fire prevention tips tailored for both office staff and maintenance crews. Take a minute to check it out and help keep our workplace safe, efficient, and ready for anything.
Fires can start without warning, and in high-risk environments like offices and hangars, the consequences can be severe. Whether you're working at a desk or maintaining aircraft, knowing what to do in the first moments of a fire can save lives. That’s why fire safety awareness isn’t just a formality, it’s a critical part of our workplace culture. Take a moment to review the essentials below and make sure you’re prepared.
🚪 Have a Plan. Know Your Exits.
- Always know TWO ways out of your work area.
- Familiarise with the designated meeting point outside where everyone gathers during emergencies.
- Make sure exit doors open easily from the inside, no keys, no special tools.
- Know who in your area may need assistance evacuating, be ready to help or notify first responders.
🔔 Smoke Alarms Save Lives
- Ensure smoke alarms are installed in office spaces, common areas, and hangars.
- Use interconnected alarms so if one sounds, they all do.
- Prefer alarms connected to the building's electrical system, with battery backup.
🛠️ Keep Alarms Working
- Test alarms monthly.
- Replace batteries yearly or as soon as they chirp.
- Replace alarms every 10 years.
🧯 Stay Smart. Stay Safe.
- Practice your fire escape plan regularly.
- If a fire alarm sounds, evacuate immediately.
- Do not re-enter the building until it’s declared safe by emergency services.
- Your preparation can make the difference between safety and tragedy.
Protect Lives. Prevent Loss. Be Prepared.
One of the primary reasons that generic definitions to answer what is safety culture don't work well is because they lump together distinct safety culture elements. This can easily lead to simplification and confusion over how to influence safety culture in a real-world scenario.
Safety culture can be broken down into the following 5 components:
Hazard identification and safety reporting;
Safety awareness;
Safety communication;
Willingness; and
Management-employee relationships.
Hazard identification and safety reporting culture are how well employees are cognizant of hazards in their workplace environments and report identified safety concerns and incidents. Mature safety cultures will demonstrate consistently high numbers of safety reports, regardless of the severity of the underlying issue in question. Mature safety cultures report ALL safety concerns, regardless of their perceived importance to system safety. No issue is too small to report. In a mature safety culture, the mantra is: "Report every safety issue and allow the safety team to determine the effect on safety."
Safety awareness is how familiar employees are with past and recent safety concerns, and how mindful they are of the connection between
their actions,
the environment, and
safety.
Safety communication is simply how quickly your organization can acquire data and apprise employees of changes, as well as the quality of interaction between employees and management. Mature safety cultures have regular safety communications and these safety communications are tracked to ensure employees are "getting the message." Without oversight (tracking safety messages), management remains uncertain whether safety communications are effective. When employees do not read safety communications, this indicates safety culture needs improvement.
Willingness involves how readily all employees involve themselves in the SMS implementation's activities, and how open they are to receiving change. When employees identify safety concerns and are hesitant to report the safety concern in the safety reporting system, we see an obvious safety culture dilemma that needs to be addressed by a combination of:
Reviewing safety policy to ensure it resonates with employees (trust);
Ensuring a non-punitive reporting policy affords employees protections from managerial reprisals; and
Regularly communicating these policies to employees using safety newsletters or safety messages.
Finally, management-employee relationships concern silos, corporate culture, and corporate cronyism, which kill safety culture.
Perhaps one reason that safety culture is difficult to define is that these five safety culture elements are highly intertwined or interrelated. For example, "management-employee relationships" correlate closely to "willingness." When employees cannot trust management because management has a "punitive managerial style," then the result is a lack of employee willingness to participate fully in the aviation SMS' activities.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has launched an initiative to enhance the aviation security culture across the nation's civil aviation industry. This effort aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) emphasis on embedding security culture as a fundamental aspect of aviation operations.
An effective aviation security culture is essential for safeguarding against threats and ensuring the smooth functioning of the aviation industry. It involves recognizing the importance of security in business success, fostering a positive attitude towards security practices among employees, aligning security measures with core business goals, and viewing security as a core value rather than a mere obligation.
Steps for Stakeholders
All aviation personnel, from management to frontline staff, play a crucial role in integrating security culture. Stakeholders are encouraged to:
- Continuously improve security protocols.
- Raise awareness about security risks and the role each individual plays in mitigating these risks.
- Ensure familiarity with security procedures and response mechanisms.
- Promote a proactive approach to identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities.
Role of CAAM
CAAM leads the charge in promoting security culture through the National Security Programmes, which include the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, Training Programme, and Quality Control Programme. CAAM's initiatives focus on inclusiveness, positive training policies, and introducing "Just Culture" reporting systems that protect the anonymity of individuals reporting security concerns.
Collaboration and Commitment
Collaboration between CAAM and aviation stakeholders is vital for the successful integration of security culture. Regular nationwide security culture campaigns and quality control activities ensure that all personnel remain vigilant and committed to security norms.
Conclusion
A robust aviation security culture is essential for the safety and security of Malaysia's civil aviation operations. By working together and fostering a security-conscious environment, CAAM and aviation stakeholders can build a resilient defense against potential threats, ensuring the security of the nation's aviation industry.
Full information can be read in the Security Information 05/2024 by CAAM below:
https://www.caam.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SI-05_2024-Aviation-security-is-everyones-responsibilities.pdf
Ramadan Kareem to all MYCAS staff members! As we embark on this sacred journey of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth, we extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May this holy month bring you closer to your loved ones, deepen your connection with the Divine, and grant you abundant blessings.
In the midst of our observance, it's essential to prioritize our health and safety. While fasting, it's crucial to stay hydrated and nourished during non-fasting hours. Be mindful of maintaining a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods to sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Moreover, ensure that you get an adequate amount of rest to support your overall well-being.
As we immerse ourselves in acts of worship and charity during Ramadan, let's also extend our compassion and support to those in need within our communities. Together, let's strive to make a positive impact and spread kindness wherever we go.
This Ramadan, let's embrace the opportunity for personal growth and spiritual reflection. It's a time to reconnect with our values, strengthen our faith, and seek forgiveness for past shortcomings. Let's approach each day with intentionality, seeking to cultivate qualities of patience, gratitude, and empathy.
As we navigate through the challenges of balancing our religious observance with our professional responsibilities, let's remember the importance of self-care and well-being. Let's support one another in achieving a harmonious balance, recognizing that our physical, emotional, and spiritual health are interconnected.
May this Ramadan be a source of spiritual rejuvenation, personal growth, and unity among us all. Ramadan Mubarak!
Helicopter maintenance is essential for ensuring flight safety, yet it poses unique challenges for technicians. Investigations, like those conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), reveal critical lapses leading to accidents, such as hardware reuse and technician fatigue.
To enhance safety, technicians must prioritize human performance awareness and access comprehensive training resources. Implementing procedures like work cards and collaborating with flight check pilots ensures thorough checks.
By learning from past incidents, maintenance personnel can proactively address safety concerns. For deeper insights into helicopter safety based on real incidents, watch the accompanying video.
The Acceptable Level of Safety (ALoS) is a crucial concept in aviation safety management. It helps airlines and aviation companies decide how much risk they're willing to tolerate for different safety issues. In a world where safety is a top priority but absolute safety is impossible, ALoS provides a way to balance safety with practicality. By understanding and applying ALoS principles, aviation stakeholders can work towards safer operations for everyone involved.
Here's how it works:
1. What is ALoS?: ALoS is like a safety line. It says that if the risk is below this line, it's acceptable. No extra actions are needed from the company. The decision is based on how likely something bad is to happen and how serious it would be if it did.
2. Why is it important?: Safety is always the goal, but absolute safety is impossible. ALoS helps companies set standards for how much risk they can handle. It's like finding a balance between being safe and being practical.
3. How does it change?: ALoS isn't set in stone. It can change based on different factors. For example, if a company becomes more successful, they might be willing to take on more risk. But if things get tough financially, they might want to play it safer.
4. How do companies decide?: Each company sets its own ALoS. They use tools like a Risk Matrix to help. This matrix helps them decide what risks are acceptable and what needs action. They might color-code risks based on how serious they are.
5. Why does it matter for safety?: ALoS is not just a number on paper. It affects real safety decisions. Companies use it to decide where to focus safety efforts and how much risk they're willing to accept. It's all about finding the right balance to keep everyone safe while still running a business.
In summary, ALoS is a fundamental idea that guides safety management in aviation. It helps companies navigate risks while ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and assets. By embracing ALoS principles and using tools like the Risk Matrix, the aviation industry can continuously improve safety practices and move towards a future with safer skies.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let's collectively bid farewell to the triumphs and challenges of the past and usher in a fresh chapter filled with hope, joy, and prosperity. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year that overflows with laughter, shared moments, and the promise of new beginnings.
Amid the festivities, let's not forget the importance of safety. Whether we're celebrating at home, traveling, or enjoying gatherings with friends and family, let's make conscious choices that prioritize the well-being of ourselves and those around us. In doing so, we contribute to creating a holiday season filled with warmth and security.
Looking ahead, our hopes extend beyond personal celebrations to include a focus on the safety of our workplace. As we embark on the coming year, let's collectively strive for improvements that enhance the safety measures within our company. By fostering an environment that values the well-being of each member, we lay the foundation for a successful and secure future for all.
Here's to a New Year marked by not only personal achievements and fulfillment but also by a commitment to creating a safer workplace and community. May 2024 bring you prosperity, joy, and a workplace where safety is paramount.
Happy New Year, and may this new year be a stepping stone toward a brighter and safer future for us all!
As Malaysia experiences a concerning increase in COVID-19 cases, it's paramount that we all play a proactive role in curbing the spread of the virus. Here are crucial precautions to safeguard yourself and others:
Mask Mandate:
Type of Masks: Wear well-fitting masks that cover both your nose and mouth. Consider using high-quality masks, such as N95 or surgical masks, especially in crowded or high-risk settings.
Consistency is Key: Wear your mask consistently, not just when required. This includes indoor spaces, public transportation, and outdoor areas where maintaining a safe distance is challenging.
Mask Hygiene: Ensure your mask is clean and in good condition. Replace disposable masks regularly and wash reusable ones after each use.
Hand Hygiene Practices:
Frequent Washing: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, touching surfaces, or coughing/sneezing.
Hand Sanitizer Use: If soap is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Apply it thoroughly, covering all surfaces of your hands.
Self-Monitoring and Testing:
Symptoms Awareness: Stay vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue.
Testing Access: Familiarize yourself with testing facilities in your area or you may use self-test kit at home. If you experience symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, get tested promptly.
Quarantine and Isolation Adherence:
Strictly adhere to quarantine and isolation guidelines if you or someone in your household is affected. This helps prevent further spread.
By collectively adopting these precautions, we contribute to the well-being of our communities and help protect the most vulnerable. Let's stand together, stay informed, and take responsible actions to overcome this challenge. Your commitment to these precautions plays a pivotal role in breaking the chain of transmission and safeguarding public health.
In any industrial or construction setting, tools are essential for getting the job done efficiently. However, with the power and versatility of tools comes a responsibility to ensure the safety of workers and the integrity of the workplace. Tool safety and control are paramount to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to equipment. This comprehensive guide explores the importance of tool safety and control, providing insights into best practices that can be implemented to create a safer working environment.
1. Understanding the Importance of Tool Safety:
Tool safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a fundamental aspect of workplace culture. Accidents involving tools can result in severe injuries, loss of productivity, and damage to equipment. Employers and workers alike must recognize the critical role that tool safety plays in maintaining a secure and efficient workspace.
2. Comprehensive Training Programs:
One of the foundations of tool safety is a well-designed training program. All personnel should undergo thorough training on the proper use, handling, and maintenance of tools. This includes understanding the potential hazards associated with each tool and implementing safety protocols to mitigate risks.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Adequate PPE is a crucial element in tool safety. Workers must be equipped with the appropriate gear, including gloves, safety glasses, helmets, and hearing protection, depending on the nature of the tools and the tasks at hand. Employers should ensure that PPE is readily available and that workers are educated on its proper use.
4. Proper Tool Selection and Inspection:
The right tool for the job is not only more efficient but also safer. Workers should be trained to select the appropriate tools for specific tasks. Regular inspections of tools are essential to identify and address any defects promptly. Faulty tools should be taken out of service until repairs are made.
5. Tool Control Measures:
Implementing effective tool control measures is crucial for preventing tool-related accidents. This involves keeping an inventory of tools, tracking their usage, and ensuring that they are returned to their designated storage locations after use. Tool control measures also include securing tools during transportation to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the event of sudden stops or accidents.
6. Workspace Organization:
A cluttered and disorganized workspace is a breeding ground for accidents. Proper organization of tools reduces the risk of tripping hazards and makes it easier for workers to locate and use tools safely. Employers should establish and enforce a system for organizing tools and maintaining a clean workspace.
7. Regular Tool Maintenance:
Tools that are well-maintained are less likely to malfunction, reducing the risk of accidents. Regular maintenance schedules should be established for all tools, including inspections, lubrication, and calibration as necessary. Workers should be trained to recognize signs of wear and tear and report any issues promptly.
8. Communication and Reporting:
Open communication channels are essential for creating a culture of safety. Workers should feel comfortable reporting any concerns or incidents related to tool safety. Establishing a reporting system and addressing issues promptly can prevent potential accidents and foster a safer working environment.
Conclusion:
Tool safety and control are integral components of a successful and secure workplace. By prioritizing comprehensive training, implementing effective control measures, and fostering a culture of safety, employers can significantly reduce the risk of tool-related accidents and create an environment where workers can thrive without compromising their well-being. Investing in tool safety is an investment in the health and productivity of the workforce and the long-term success of the organization.
In the world of aviation, safety reporting is like having a reliable map for a journey. It's not just about filling out forms; it's a way for everyone on the team to contribute to making the workplace safer.
Picture safety reporting as putting up road signs along the way. When workers report things like close calls or potential problems, it's like adding signs that warn about upcoming obstacles. This helps the whole team avoid accidents and make the journey smoother.
What's really cool about safety reporting is that it helps discover if there are bigger issues at play. It's like having investigators figuring out the best route to take. By paying attention to what workers report, companies can change the route or teach everyone better ways to navigate challenges.
Safety reporting also creates a sense of trust and comfort. When workers know they won't get in trouble for speaking up, they're more likely to share important information. This trust builds a strong team that works well together and looks out for each other.
In the ever-changing world of aviation, safety reporting is like having an updated map. It's not just about doing paperwork; it's about making sure that everyone flying or working with airplanes can rely on the most accurate information to stay safe.
In the end, safety reporting isn't just a task to complete; it's like having a helpful guide for a successful journey in the aviation world. So, the next time someone talks about safety reporting, think of it as creating a reliable map for a safer and smoother ride in the skies!
Scammers and hackers try to trick people into clicking on links that will download viruses, spyware, and other unwanted software — often by bundling it with free downloads. Here are ways to avoid malware:
Install and update security software, and use a firewall. Set your security software, internet browser, and operating system to update automatically.
Don’t weaken your browser’s security settings. You can minimize “drive-by” or bundled downloads if you keep your browser’s default security settings.
Read each screen when you install new software. If you don’t recognize a program, or are prompted to install bundled software, decline the additional program or exit the installation process.
Get well-known software directly from the source. Sites offering lots of different browsers, PDF readers, and other popular software for free are more likely to include malware.
Pay attention to your browser’s security warnings. Many browsers come with built-in security scanners that warn you before you visit an infected webpage or download a malicious file.
Instead of clicking on a link in an email or text message, type the URL of a trusted site directly into your browser. Criminals send phishing emails that trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that could download malware.
Don’t click on pop-ups or ads about your computer’s performance. Scammers insert unwanted software into pop-up messages or ads that warn that your computer’s security or performance is Avoid clicking on these ads if you don’t know the source.
Scan USB drives and other external devices before using them. These devices can be infected with malware, especially if you use them in high traffic places, like photo printing stations or public computers.
Malware infections can be devastating for organizations. By interrupting critical workflows and stealing or encrypting crucial data, malware can cause serious financial and reputation damage. Also, perform regular backups to offline storage to make sure you can restore your data from a backup if malware hits your environment.
In the pursuit of continuous improvement and commitment to the safety of MYCAS' staffs, MYCAS SMS would like to announce the relocation of our emergency assembly point. The decision comes as a proactive measure in response to ongoing construction at the previous assembly point location. By moving the assembly point to a secure area, we aim to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees and visitors during emergencies.
The relocation of the Emergency Assembly Point will be effective immediately. All staffs and visitors are required to gather at the new assembly point in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Please take a look at the green circle in the Evacuation Program provided below as a reference to familiarise yourself with the updated location of the emergency assembly point.
Aviation safety managers and employees who understand the real difference between reactive, predictive, and proactive risk management activities gain considerable benefit for generating good safety performance.
The fact is that these three types of risk management strategies are often misunderstood and/or confused.
Can you describe the difference?
Each type of strategy has particular activities and behaviors that are useful in different situations. We can understand the basic purpose of each type of risk management as follows:
Reactive: mitigate severity of safety events and threats;
Proactive: identify safety concerns before safety events happen; and
Predictive: anticipate future exposure based on past performance data.
Developing all three forms of risk management involves understanding your aviation SMS program and employees. Let’s look at each what each type of risk management is, and situations when each type is useful. Here is a table that broadly shows the difference:
According to the Malaysian Meterological Department (MetMalaysia), it has been reported that Malaysia is going through some scorching times as of late. It is therefore important to take precautions for the hot weather season, which can last until July.
While hot weather might not seem like a huge concern to us, simply increasing air conditioning usage and drinking plenty of water may not be enough.
If we are oblivious regarding serious health implications associated with hot weather exposure, there may be dire consequences.
What is the implication of extreme hot weather?
Individuals who are not use to hot weather are at a higher risk of experiencing heat exhaustion or heatstroke. This is due to the body's struggle to adjust to the sudden change in temperature.
What are the signs and symptoms of heatstroke?
Body temperature of 40°C or higher
Confusion, slurred speech, altered mental status
Skin feels hot and dry to the touch, flushed skin
Profuse sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid breathing
Headache
How to prevent heatstroke?
Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids so that your body can sweat to maintain a normal body temperature.
Wear clothes of lighter colour, lightweight, loose-fitting: This will help your body to cool down properly during hot weather.
Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day: It is better if you can schedule physical activities during cooler times of the day such as early morning or evening. If you could not avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, remember to drink plenty of water and take breaks in a cooler place.
People who are at higher risk should be more aware: If you are taking care of young children or older people, help them to stay away from hot environment. Act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating that may lead to heatstroke.
Use sun protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or more when you are out and about. Reapply sunscreen more often such as every two hours if you are swimming or sweating to prevent sunburn. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself.
Do not leave anyone in a parked vehicle: It is not safe to stay in the car when it is parked under the sun, in hot weather. Did you know the temperature inside your car can rise by more than 11°C in just 10 minutes when it is under the sun?
Debunking internet myths
Some of us may have receive some myths that may be circulating on the internet such as the following:
Refrain from drinking very cold water during the heat especially when temperatures reach 40°C. This is because small blood vessels may rupture or burst.
There have been instances where taking a cold shower immediately while sweating may lead to sudden unconsciousness and fainting. It is recommended to wait 30 minutes before showering or cooling down.
Drinking warm or hot water is actually better than consuming very cold water during extremely hot days when you are outdoors.
The claims above are based on personal opinions quoted from unreliable sources or references. There are no proper studies or scientific basis.
The Ministry of Health said today it detected a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases by 37.7 per cent for the week ending Saturday, April 1 last week after schools nationwide reopened.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the number of new cases went from 2,228 cases in the previous week to 3,069 cases, while nine new clusters have emerged.
Due to this situation, all MYCAS staffs are advised to take extra precautions during this Ramadhan and Eidul Fitri period since we have recorded a new case within MYCAS recently. Some precautions steps that can be practiced is to limit social gatherings (Eidul Fitri open house) and time spent at crowded places such as Bazar Ramadhan and Bazar Eidul Fitri. Should you need attend social gatherings or crowded places, always remember to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Follow these simple precautions to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19:
Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia's (CAAM) has introduce a new system named CAReS (CAAM Aviation Reporting System) for Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) and Voluntary Occurence Reporting (VOR) as an effort to increase the efficiency of the reporting process.
CAReS was fully implemented on 31st of March 2023 where users will be able to access CAReS via CAAM website address at https://safetyreporting.caam.gov.my/. Instructions and user guides on how to navigate around the CAReS will be made available in the website.
Full information can be read in the Advisory Information 04/2023 by CAAM below.
https://www.caam.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AI-04_2023_-CAReS.pdf
How often should my fire alarm be serviced?
The fire alarm system should be serviced at least once every 6 months. Don’t forget that as well as having an inspection carried out twice a year, it’s an important requirement for you to carry out a weekly fire test too.
Can I service my own fire alarm?
The service and inspection of your fire alarm should only be carried out by a professional fire alarm engineer.
How long does a fire alarm service take?
The time it takes to complete a fire alarm service depends entirely on the size of the property, number of devices and ease of access to said devices.
How often should I change the batteries in my fire panel?
The batteries in your fire panel need to be changed every 4 years. If there is no installation date written on the current batteries it must be assumed that they are older than 4 years and therefore must be replaced.
Can I change the batteries in my fire panel myself?
You are able to change the batteries in the fire panel yourself, but you must make sure they are the correct size and voltage. It’s important to remember that you can’t assume the batteries installed already are the correct size for your system so we’d recommend getting that checked first. Failure to do so may result in the panel not working correctly which could be disastrous in the event of a fire. Whether you fit new ones yourself or ask a professional always double check the installation date is written on the new ones to avoid unnecessary expense in the future.
What if there’s a problem with my fire alarm?
If something goes wrong with your fire alarm, get it checked immediately so that the fault can be rectified. A system fault means your fire alarm is not classed as being ‘adequately maintained’ you would therefore be non-compliant with fire alarm regulations. Some examples of when your fire alarm may need attention outside of schedule maintenance are:
an alarm is sounding but there’s no fire
a light on your fire alarm panel says there is a fault
your fire alarm panel is beeping
How often should my fire extinguishers be serviced?
You will need to carry out a visual inspection of all extinguishers monthly. Check that the extinguisher itself, it’s ID card and it’s instructions are clearly displayed. You should also make sure that it hasn’t been tampered with or damaged in anyway and that it hasn’t lost any pressure. A quick visual check of the extinguisher, its pressure gauge, headcap pin and seal will help identify any issues.
All fire extinguishers require a ‘basic service’ and inspection once a year. The service will usually include changing the headcap seal, checking the headcap safety pin operates correctly, testing the pressure gauge and changing any O rings as necessary in the junction of the valve and hose or horn.
Every five years most fire extinguishers need an extended service. CO2 extinguishers need an extended service every 10 years.
Can I service my fire extinguishers myself?
A ‘basic service’ is a lot more complex than it sounds. It must be carried out by a ‘competent person’ and you’ll need a professional to carry out the extended service for you.
How often should I replace my fire extinguishers?
It’s often easier and cheaper to replace all extinguishers at their extended service date so it is recommended to buy new at the 5 and 10 year intervals. However, you should keep an eye on the manufacturer’s expiration date and instructions as the shelf life of extinguishers can vary – typically anywhere from 5-12 years. If an extinguisher is damaged seek professional help. If it is damaged beyond repair you will require new.
How often should my emergency lights be serviced?
A visual check to make sure that all maintained lamps are operating and that the system is healthy should be carried out daily. These checks can be carried out in-house. Each month you should ensure that all luminaries and other emergency lighting equipment is in good condition. You should test all emergency lighting equipment by simulating a failure of the normal lighting supply. If your caretaker or maintenance person is competent they may carry these checks out themselves. Once a year a full system test should be conducted, including a full rated duration test of the system. This is usually around 3 hours. If your caretaker or maintenance person is competent they may carry these checks out themselves.
Can I service my emergency lights myself?
No specific qualification is required to test emergency lighting, however it must be undertaken by a competent person. Generally a competent person can be seen as someone who has sufficient knowledge to carry out the task at hand. It is down to you to make the decision about whether a person is competent. If you decide to do the testing yourself it’s important that you keep an accurate record of dates and any faults found.
How often should I replace my emergency lights?
Most emergency lights will be fitted with backup batteries that are usually made to last for 4 years. There is no set timescale for how often you should replace emergency lights, therefore if the battery is still working after 4 years, you don’t need to change it. Similarly the battery may work for less than 4 years, in which case you would need to replace it earlier. If an emergency light fails the annual 3 hour test, it is time to change the battery inside regardless of whether it’s 1 or 8 years old.
Source: https://kjfiresafety.com/2019/09/16/service-and-maintenance-faqs/
What Does It Mean to Mitigate Risk?
The term “mitigate risk” and “risk mitigation” is slightly misleading. This is because the meaning of the term “risk” changes depending on the context in which it is used.
Confusion also exists because different safety experts have different understandings of what “risk” means.
Risk can mean:
The composite likelihood and severity of something happening, as in “The risk of…”;
A specific occurrence that is bad/undesirable, as in a “risk occurrence.”
So, does risk mitigation mean lessening likelihood/severity or mitigating a specific risk occurrence? In fact, it can and often does mean both at the same time. Risk mitigation can mean either:
Reducing the likelihood of a hazard occurrence, and the severity of the most likely risk associated with the hazard; and
Reducing likelihood and severity of a risk occurrence after a hazard occurrence.
A better term is probably “mitigate exposure,” because it encompasses both hazard occurrence and risk occurrence. Here are the 4 risk mitigation strategies in aviation safety management systems (or, to mitigate exposure!).
1 – Reduce Likelihood/Severity
Reducing risk likelihood and/or severity involves either:
(passive) Keeping a particular action, behavior, procedure, task, etc., to a minimum; or
(active) Implementing actions that actively reduce risk.
It is the most common method used to mitigate risk in aviation safety management systems. Risk reduction happens by either:
Reducing the severity of likely risk occurrences; and or
Reducing the likelihood that the hazard will occur AND/OR if the hazard occurs, the likelihood that it will lead to a risk occurrence.
2 – Avoid Risk
Risk avoidance is a strategy that is very common in aviation SMS programs. It is probably preferable where applicable and convenient.
Risk avoidance simply entails limited or non-participation in activities that could lead to a particular potential hazard or risk occurrence. Where possible, it is the best method to mitigate risk in aviation safety management systems.
This type of mitigation can only be used if there are multiple ways of completing a task or mission. In other words, if one type of activity used to complete a mission exposes you to a hazard/risk, then risk avoidance can be used to do a different activity that completed the task/mission but does not expose you to the hazard/risk.
3 – Transfer Risk to Another Party
Risks need to be “owned” by either you or another party. What ownership means is that, for a particular risk, the owner is first in line for making sure something bad doesn’t happen.
One way to mitigate risks in your operational environment is to transfer a risk to another, more capable party, such as one of your vendors. For example, one common real-world scenario is for aviation service providers to transfer certain risks to:
Manufactures;
Parts providers; or
Maintenance crew.
The reason for this is that the other parties are better subject-matter experts than the service provider in the particular area that the risk imposes. Furthermore, it makes sense that the party who has direct oversight over a risk should be responsible for it.
4 – Distribute Risk Factors among Company
Risk distribution or segregation is a fantastic best practice to mitigate risk in aviation safety management systems.
It simply involves distributing hazards mechanisms into separate locations, roles/duties, or barriers. Most commonly, risk distribution involves breaking risks up into different locations. For example, some real-world examples of risk segregation are:
Storing fuel in specially reinforced containers (segregating barrier of “container” into “container” and “reinforced material”);
Having security based SMS software (segregating information based on role in company);
Keeping backup servers in an off-site location (segregating location of primary and backup servers); or
Keeping fuel storage away from combustible machinery (segregate chemicals and fire sources).
Source: https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/4-ways-to-mitigate-risk-in-aviation-safety-management-systems
What is Root Cause Analysis?
A root cause is defined as a factor that caused a nonconformance and should be permanently eliminated through process improvement. The root cause is the core issue—the highest-level cause—that sets in motion the entire cause-and-effect reaction that ultimately leads to the problem(s).
Root cause analysis (RCA) is defined as a collective term that describes a wide range of approaches, tools, and techniques used to uncover causes of problems. Some RCA approaches are geared more toward identifying true root causes than others, some are more general problem-solving techniques, and others simply offer support for the core activity of root cause analysis.
HISTORY OF ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
Root cause analysis can be traced to the broader field of total quality management (TQM). TQM has developed in different directions, including a number of problem analysis, problem solving, and root cause analysis.
Root cause analysis is part of a more general problem-solving process and an integral part of continuous improvement. Because of this, root cause analysis is one of the core building blocks in an organization’s continuous improvement efforts. It's important to note that root cause analysis in itself will not produce any results; it must be made part of a larger problem-solving effort for quality improvement.
APPROACHES TO ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
There are many methodologies, approaches, and techniques for conducting root cause analysis, including:
Events and causal factor analysis: Widely used for major, single-event problems, such as a refinery explosion, this process uses evidence gathered quickly and methodically to establish a timeline for the activities leading up to the accident. Once the timeline has been established, the causal and contributing factors can be identified.
Change analysis: This approach is applicable to situations where a system’s performance has shifted significantly. It explores changes made in people, equipment, information, and more that may have contributed to the change in performance.
Barrier analysis: This technique focuses on what controls are in place in the process to either prevent or detect a problem, and which might have failed.
Management oversight and risk tree analysis: One aspect of this approach is the use of a tree diagram to look at what occurred and why it might have occurred.
Kepner-Tregoe Problem Solving and Decision Making: This model provides four distinct phases for resolving problems:
Situation analysis
Problem analysis
Solution analysis
Potential problem analysis
CONDUCTING ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
When carrying out root cause analysis methods and processes, it's important to note:
While many root cause analysis tools can be used by a single person, the outcome generally is better when a group of people work together to find the problem causes.
Those ultimately responsible for removing the identified root cause(s) should be prominent members of the analysis team that sets out to uncover them.
A typical design of a root cause analysis in an organization might follow these steps:
A decision is made to form a small team to conduct the root cause analysis.
Team members are selected from the business process/area of the organization that experiences the problem. The team might be supplemented by:
A line manager with decision authority to implement solutions
An internal customer from the process with problems
A quality improvement expert in the case where the other team members have little experience with this kind of work
The analysis lasts about two months. During the analysis, equal emphasis is placed on defining and understanding the problem, brainstorming its possible causes, analyzing causes and effects, and devising a solution to the problem.
During the analysis period, the team meets at least weekly, sometimes two or three times a week. The meetings are always kept short, at maximum two hours, and since they are meant to be creative in nature, the agenda is quite loose.
One person in the team is assigned the role of making sure the analysis progresses, or tasks are assigned to various members of the team.
Once the solution has been designed and the decision to implement has been taken, it can take anywhere from a day to several months before the change is complete, depending on what is involved in the implementation process.
Source : https://asq.org/quality-resources/root-cause-analysis
What is Hazard?
Hazard is a condition or an object with the potential to cause or contribute to an aircraft incident or accident.
Annex 19, 2ndEdition, Chapter 1, Definition
CAD 19, Iss. 01, rev 00 –1.5, Definition
Hazard Identification
The service provider shall develop and maintain a process to identify hazards associated with its aviation products or services. Hazard identification shall be based on a combination of reactive and proactive methods.
Hazard Detection Methods
Reactive - analysis of past outcomes or events
investigation reports
Proactive - existing or real-time operational situations
through surveys, audit findings, assessments and automatic detections
Hazard Categories
Organizational (ORG): Management or documentation, processes and procedures
Environmental (ENV): Weather or Wildlife
Human (HUM): Limitation of the human which in the system has the potential for causing incident
Technical (TEC): Aerodrome, Air Navigation, Operations, Maintenance, and Design and Manufacturing
Correlation Between Hazard, Unsafe Event, and Consequence
Hazards Prioritisation
Prioritization of hazards may require categorizations according to the severity of their projected consequences.
Accident – Occurrence with fatality, aircraft structural damage or aircraft missing
Serious Incident – An occurrence with high probability of an accident
Incident – An occurrence, other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft which affects or could affect the safety of operation
Mycopter Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (MYCAS)'s staffs has attended Fire Safety Awareness Training conducted by Subang Airport Fire Rescue Service (AFRS). The training was split into two (2) days where the first batch attended the training on 4th October 2022 (Tuesday), meanwhile the second batch attended the training on 5th October 2022 (Wednesday).
The training consist of both theoretical and practical training. The training started with theoretical class by Tuan Arian (AFRS Fire Officer) follows by practical training where all attendees were given a chance to use fire extinguisher to extinguish real fire under AFRS officers supervision.
Below are the photos and videos taken during the Fire Safety Awareness Training:
Mycopter Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (MYCAS) has organised MYCAS Safety Week 2022 for two (2) weeks starting from 5th September 2022 until 15th Semptember 2022. Many activities has been conducted throughout the weeks as per poster above.
Below are the pictures taken during MYCAS Safety Week 2022:
On 6th September 2022, the first activity for MYCAS Safety Week 2022 has been conducted which is Safety Workshop where the person in charge (Nuraina & Irriana) arrange a training for HIRARC familiarisation, and safety reporting system for all MYCAS staffs.
Have Way to Communicate Important Safety Updates
As time passes, we will inevitably be confronted with new information when operations and/or the environment changes. This new information should be communicated to all employees so that they are aware of new risks. Safety communication in aviation SMS can be:
Raises safety awareness;
Keep open dialogue between safety management and employees; and
Demonstrates management commitment to safety.
Post Safety Posters around Operational Environment
Safety posters are an easy way to promote the safety program on an ongoing basis without any extra work. Creating a safety poster only requires an initial investment of time and/or resources. Once created, we have them as long as needed. Once designed, we simply need to print out some posters and put them in the operational environment.
Send Out Safety Newsletter Each Month
Aviation safety newsletters are an underused tool in safety promotion:
They are easy and don’t take much time;
They should function as a sort of “digital safety meeting”;
We can create safety newsletter templates so that distributing newsletters is simply a matter of filling in the information; and
It’s a task that can easily be delegated.
Make Sure All New Employees Receive SMS Training
Initial SMS training is an important step in getting new employees familiar with the SMS:
What it is;
How to be involved;
Their role in the SMS, such as submitting safety issues; and
The goals of the SMS.
Initial training usually touches on things like:
How to submit issues;
Important safety policies and procedures that should be reviewed; and
What happens after reports are submitted.
Get Consistent Feedback from Employees
Getting feedback from employees is an especially useful tool for breaking down poor management/employee relations and corporate culture. Feedback:
Helps understand the reputation of the SMS;
Allows employees to feel involved in the SMS; and
Provides a list of potential areas to improve the SMS.
Feedback be acquired through:
Meeting notes;
Talking to employees; and
Safety surveys.
Eliminating hazards and reducing psychosocial risks promotes well-being at work. There are various strategies to manage psychosocial risks and promote OH&S. Strategies for eliminating hazards, reducing psychosocial risks and promoting well-being should be developed in consultation with workers and, where they exist, worker representatives.
Understanding the organization and its context
In relation to managing psychosocial risk, the organization should:
consider the external and internal issues that can affect the achievement of the intended outcomes of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system;
understand the needs and expectations of workers and other relevant interested parties;
consider which of these needs and expectations are, or could become, legal requirements and other requirements;
adjust the design of activities to manage psychosocial risk to suit the specific context of the workplace;
tailor activities to improve the focus, reliability, validity and effectiveness of the process to manage psychosocial risk;
determine how the assessment of psychosocial risks will be used to make effective action plans.
Understanding the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties
In relation to managing psychosocial risk, the organization should understand and determine the needs and expectations of workers and other interested parties.
Workers and other interested parties have a range of needs and expectations that can be influenced by psychosocial risks at work. These needs and expectations can include:
— financial security;
— social interaction and support;
— inclusion, recognition, reward and accomplishment;
— personal development and growth;
— equal opportunity and fair treatment at work.
Needs and expectations can be included in legal requirements (e.g. OH&S and human rights legislation), collective agreements, and voluntary agreements and other requirements to which the organization subscribes or adheres.
Competence
The organization should:
develop the competence necessary to identify psychosocial hazards and manage psychosocial risks (e.g. understanding how psychosocial hazards can interact with one another and other hazards, and the nature and scope of their potential outcomes);
take actions, including training and professional development as appropriate, to support workers to acquire and maintain the necessary competence;
ensure that workers and other relevant interested parties have the competence to implement the measures and processes necessary for the prevention of psychosocial risks;
ensure that workers and other relevant interested parties understand the processes for reporting or raising concerns;
seek relevant external advice if this knowledge is not available in the organization;
evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken to ensure competence;
take into account the needs, experience, language skills, literacy and diversity of individual workers.
Psychosocial risk control measures related to work organization
The organization should implement control measures for psychosocial risks related to work organization. In many cases, this requires redesign of work processes, not only adjustment of tasks.
Measures can include:
increasing workers’ control over the way they do their work, e.g. by introducing flexible working, job-sharing, more consultation about working practices or enabling workers to control the pace of work tasks;
allowing breaks to manage fatigue, and restricting work-related contact via mobile phone and email in non-working time;
consulting workers and, where they exist, worker representatives about workplace changes and how these can affect them;
defining work roles, supervisory relationships and performance requirements to minimize confusion and ambiguity;
prioritizing tasks and allowing flexible time frames for completion;
facilitating the development of competence and allocating work tasks to workers with appropriate knowledge, skills and experience suitable to the complexity and duration of the task;
providing greater access to social support for workers who are working remotely or are working in isolated work locations;
limiting remote and/or isolated work, if appropriate;
providing effective supervision, constructive feedback and guidance to workers;
improving attitudes towards managing and reporting psychosocial risk, including work-related stress, harassment, bullying and violence at work;
providing practical support during peak workload periods (e.g. additional or more experienced workers).
Monitoring, measurement, analysis and performance evaluation
An organization should establish and implement a systematic approach for monitoring and measuring activities related to managing psychosocial risk and the performance of the OH&S management system.
Performance monitoring and measurement should:
determine the extent to which the policy is complied with and objectives are met;
provide data on activities related to psychological health and safety in the workplace, recognizing the need for confidentiality of personal information;
determine if the processes for psychosocial hazard identification and assessment of risk are in place and controls are operating effectively (e.g. taking into account signs of worker exposure to psychosocial risk as set out in 8.1.2.5);
provide the basis for decisions about improvements related to health, safety and well-being at work;
determine the extent to which the organization has fulfilled legal requirements and other requirements;
provide information on the OH&S management system’s performance in managing psychosocial risks.
The organization should develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative measures in consultation and with participation of workers and, where they exist, their representatives.
The organization should gather information on the opportunities for improvement in the management of psychosocial risks, fulfilment of its legal requirements and other requirements, and achievement of its OH&S objectives as part of its continual improvement process. The organization should also evaluate opportunities to implement changes and give priority to those that have the greatest potential for improving psychological health, safety and well-being in the workplace.
Source: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:45003:ed-1:v1:en
Here are the three thematic and (therefore) most important Human Factors in aviation SMS. They are a recurring and identifiable factor in nearly every Human Factor-related safety concern that safety managers should watch out for and employees should learn to identify in their environment. Here’s why.
Human Factor #5: Lack of Teamwork
Lack of Communication is almost always a product of an inability to form quality teamwork interactions (i.e. lack of teamwork). Moreover, quality communication is extremely difficult without quality teamwork.
While there are obvious communication problems, such as with the use of technology, lack of communication often gets pinned on situations where two employees “misunderstood” each other because of “a failure to transmit, receive, or provide information”. Oftentimes, the failure to transmit or receive data is simply a result of individuals’ not knowing how to properly work together. Good communication is a result of good teamwork, and not the other way around.
Finally, considering that employees are the best and most important resource for identifying and reporting hazards, lack of teamwork can be a disastrous blow to the resources of aviation SMS.
Teamwork is an SMS’ greatest resource for cultivating a safe environment.
Human Factor #8: Pressure
Specifically, the Human Factor of Pressure that is universally common in aviation SMS relates to the pressure of performance vs preparation. Aviation carriers all rely on their services to make money and drive the business. These requisite services usually hinge on time sensitive and quality actions.
Time and quality and create pressures to perform at all levels of an organization. It some (or many) cases, it causes:
Lack of Awareness: employees may be so focused on completing a task that they fail to notice potential hazards;
Fatigue: plain and simple, extended periods of pressure will result in both physical and mental exhaustion;
Distraction: employees may be distracted from following the correct procedures by cutting corners in order to complete the task; and
Stress: stress is almost always the result of certain pressures, and can cause risky, irrational behavior.
Pressure has far-reaching implications into the emotional and psychological state of all employees. In organizations that strive to maintain low pressure environments, employees have more mental energy to be aware, more time to focus, and fewer reasons to be stressed out.
Human Factor #12: Norms
An aviation SMS' existing norms play a critical role in the functioning of the SMS. Norms can be expected duties and responsibilities, the goals of the aviation safety management system, or the behavior of employees and management.
Aviation SMS environment with risky norms almost always result in two things:
Lack of Knowledge: as employees don’t have incentive to learn and therefore improve safety behavior;
Complacency: the bane of every aviation safety management system.
Complacency, like lack of communication, is an extremely hot topic in aviation SMS because so many managers struggle with it. Overcoming it has proven time and time again perhaps the most difficult barrier to completing aviation SMS implementation.
Complacency is almost always a direct result of an existing norm. It’s a vicious cycle. An organization is used to have lowing SMS standards, and as employee and management turnover happens, the complacency is simply adopted by new workers. Before managers can overcome complacency in aviation SMS, they must first identify:
The type of complacency norm that exists; and
The underlying causes (such as lack of management involvement) or specific leaders in the program who are propagating the complacency.
Source: https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/3-most-important-human-factors-in-aviation-sms-programs
SUBANG, 12th May - MYCAS were organising a Hari Raya Eidul Fitri celebration and inviting Helistar Resources Sdn Bhd staffs to join the celebration together.
The celebration starts at 12.30PM with an opening short speech by MYCAS staffs.
All staffs bring a lot of Hari Raya foods such as nasi minyak, satay, rendang, ketupat, cakes and many more.
Pictures below:
Aviation safety programs with good safety cultures usually operate as designed. Good safety culture is indicated in:
The work management has done to support safe behaviors;
The amount of safety awareness employees demonstrate; and
The quality of resources provided by accountable manager.
Here are 10 indicators of what good aviation safety culture looks like.
Hazard Reporting System Is Fully Implemented
The hazard reporting system is the foundation of the SMS. Through it, we will:
Collect mission critical data;
Identify new concerns; and
Facilitate continuous improvement of the SMS.
Employees Follow Reporting Guidelines
The reporting guidelines should help guide employees on important issue reporting questions, like:
How soon do they need to report the issue?
Will they get in trouble if they report this?
Will they get blamed if they report this?
Do they need to report this, or is it optional?
These questions may be answered in multiple safety policies. When employees stick to the guidelines that have been laid out, it indicates good safety culture.
3. Employees Report Issues within 24 Hours of Identification
When employees regularly report issues in a timely manner, it indicates that employees are dedicated to making management aware of safety. Many organizations struggle in this area, and it is not uncommon to have issues reported several days after occurrence.
4. Audit/Inspections Are Facilitated Regularly
Regular audits and inspections demonstrate a willingness towards proactive risk management. They help you uncover potential concerns before those concerns lead to hazard occurrence. In best case scenarios:
Inspections are carried out on consistent basis, such as once per month;
Internal audits are carried out on a consistent basis, such as twice per year; and
All findings are corrected swiftly.
5. A Complete Emergency Response Plan Has Been Created
An emergency response plan provides critical guidance in high risk, stressful situations (emergencies). This guidance includes:
How to act;
Who to contact; and
What resources to use.
6. Employees Receive Consistent Feedback
It’s definitely a best practice to give employees feedback:
After they report an issue, such as to say thank you for reporting; and
After a reporter’s reported issues is fully managed, such as to inform them of what changes were made.
7. Employees Personally Know Safety Manager
When employees know their safety manager personally, it shows that the safety manager has taken the time to personally interact with them. This is a good way to “put a face on the SMS.” When employees understand that the SMS has great personal effort behind managing it, they will be more likely to accept it.
8. Safety Meetings Are Held Frequently
Studies show a direct correlation between number and frequency of safety meetings and level of safety in the organization. Safety managers know this, and taking the time and effort to ensure that meetings are held is one good way to demonstrate good safety culture.
9. All Employees Receive Hazard Identification Training
Hazard identification needs to happen on an initial and recurring basis. It’s one of the sole ways employees will understand:
What a hazard is;
What objects, behaviors, and other root causes lead to hazard occurrence; and
What hazard looks like in operational environment.
10. All Employees Receive Initial and Recurring SMS Training
Initial and recurring SMS training help keep your employees informed on the safety program:
Initial SMS training: introduces employees to SMS and mission critical elements, such as policies, processes, roles, etc.;
Recurrent SMS training: ensures that employees continue to understand and are aware of the SMS and mission critical elements.
Organizing data and information is extremely important in SMS, as much of your data analysis and performance monitoring depend on such organization. A best practice for organizing your data is to assign a classification to your problem. Classification is an organizational tool. Classification is a word or short phrase that describes a safety issue in some way.
Classifications are fundamental to having the most reliable data possible. It is very difficult to have high quality data analysis and data mining without them.
1 - Classify Issues with Different Types of Classifications
Using classifications, you grant yourself the ability to organize data in different ways by assigning multiple types of classifications. For example, it is highly suggest that for each issue, you categorize issues based on, at the very least:
Type of Issue;
Hazard;
Root Causes; and
Human Factors.
2 - Have 3 Levels in Classification Trees
A very good practice for organizing your data is to create classification trees with three levels:
Category - system related classifications, such as: Flight Ops, Ground Ops, Maintenance
Sub-Category to organize system classifications into relevant groups, such as: Landing, Takeoff, ATC, On-Board Aircraft
Classification to identify specific type, such as: Rejected Landing, Aborted Landing, Unstable Approach
3 - Ensure that Classifications Are Specific (But Not TOO Specific)
Here are some examples of good specificity for hazards classifications:
Flight Ops → Wildlife → Bird strike;
Flight Related → Wildlife → Wildlife on runway; and
Flight Related → Wildlife → Rodent in aircraft.
These examples are specific enough to capture the essential piece of information (“wildlife” and “runway”) but not so specific that you will need to assign a couple of classifications just to capture one idea.
The point is: one type of problem, one type of classification.
4 - When Entering Reports, Give Title Meaningful Name
For example, while:
It’s useful to apply classification of “bird strike” for bird strike issues;
It’s not useful to specify the type of bird in the bird strike classification (i.e., “goose strike”);
You can indicate the type of bird strike in the title of the issue, such as “Bird Strike – Goose”
5 - Don’t Classify an Issue Twice with Same Classifications
An extremely important practice when you create classification trees and are classifying issues is DRY:
Don’t Repeat Yourself
It is a very important term in many industries, as the goal is to ensure:
Best practices for organization;
Reduce useless clutter; and
Reduce extra work.
In the context of classifications, it means don’t include the same classifications in different classification trees. This would cause you to have extra classifications and have to classify the same issue twice.
6 - Separate Classifications by Type
Different types of classifications should be organized into their own classification trees. Some common types of classifications we see used by aviation service providers are:
Type of issue
Hazards
Human Factors
Root Causes
Risk Controls (i.e., create classification tree that includes all risk controls)
Policies/Procedures (i.e., create classification tree that includes all policies/procedures)
Job Duties
Locations
You can literally create any type of classification tree you want that best fits your organization. The point is that different types of classifications are separated. As noted, each classification tree should have its own unique classifications, and should not repeat classifications from other trees.
7 - Number of Classifications to Assign per Issue
As discussed, it is very useful to assign different types of classifications to an issue to organize it. Here are some loose guidelines that we suggest for how many of each type of classification to apply when classifying issues.
Type of Issue: one classification per issue is ideal, but sometimes two are necessary
One Hazard: one classification per issue, as there is only one primary dangerous condition per safety issue;
Root causes: multiple classifications per issue is good, as there are usually several root causes
Human Factors: apply only the most important classifications per issue, usually 1-3; and
Safety Policy/Procedure: usually none or one classification per issue, but up to two is okay
Remember, these are not hard rules, they are simply best practices – i.e. “soft rules”. Some issues will require you to be flexible.
Good classification practices will make a big difference in how easily and how well you can sort data.
SUBANG, 4th Feb - MYCAS maintenance crews were organising an FOD sweep and performing housekeeping at hangar maintenance area as part of effort to maintain safe and compliance environment to carry out daily operations.
The programme start with briefing by the CEO, En. Ariff to all maintenance staffs at 8.30 am, emphasizing the importance to instil behaviour of 'clean as you go' within all crews, followed by morning breakfast and housekeeping tasks.
Part of the housekeeping includes FOD sweep, floor washing, reorganise tools and items, labelling and etc.
Pictures below:
1) Few good practices for next pre-flight check after maintenance
The mechanic who performed and the Quality Assurance person walk around the aircraft.
Review the maintenance record to check what work has been completed so that can focus on that area during inspection
Prepare a preflight kit for thorough inspection: flashlight, inspection mirror, preflight inspection checklist, tools and equipment needed to inspect the aircraft.
It’s advisable to perform preflight with cowlings removed to have a better view of flight controls and transmission.
Check on the FOD and missing safety wires.
Make sure all tie-down, covers, locking devices, and ground handling equipment are removed and secured stowed.
Visually perform a final pre-start check to confirm main and tail rotors are untied, and panels and cargo are secured.
Perform operation check for leaks before the flight.
Improperly installed hardware or missing safety wire could cause fatal.
2) Heavy post maintenance preflight check
Impact of SMS to the Approved Aviation Organisation
Impact on Part 21
Proposed mandatory and voluntary reporting systems
Do analysis and follow up of occurrences
Implement ‘Just Culture’ principles
Just culture means a culture in which front-line operators or other persons are not punished for actions, omissions, or decisions taken by them that are commensurate with their experience & training, but in which gross negligence, willful violations, and destructive acts are not tolerated.
Provide protection of the sources of information.
Impact on Part 145
Require managing safety ‘end to end’ by identification and control of your risk
Require organization, revised MOE, and additional procedure and competence development for all staff.
The policy should enable to control of Hazard ID, Risk Assessment, mitigation, or Coach (HIRAC)
Monitor compliance (with regulation) along with additional requirements that are applicable to the organization
Ensure personnel are trained, competent, and informed about significant safety issues
Benefits of SMS
Improve aviation safety by introducing the SMS principles, notably safety risk management, safety performance, and continuous improvement
Foster an organizational safety culture for effective safety management and effective occurrence reporting
Conclusion
SMS not only addresses the risk of major occurrences, but also to identify and tackles production inefficiencies, improves communication, fosters better company culture, and controls more effectively contractors and suppliers. Any investment in safety should be seen as an investment in productivity and organizational success.
1. Background
One year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, global daily flights remain at around 40% of 2019 figures. With the spread of new variants of COVID-19, tighter travel restrictions in most regions are being imposed in 2021, as reflected in the figure.
Full recovery of air travel will still take time. However, based on trend information, there are instances of traffic spikes after prolonged periods of low traffic, motivated by a substantial surge in demand when travel restrictions are eased.
At the same time, varying health measures and testing requirements continue to impact the flying public and operational staff, specifically crew. Additionally, changing conditions on the ground, and different demands and interactions across the aviation supply chain, are impacting operations. In order to address new operational challenges and safety hazards, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) continue their collaboration to assist the industry with the restart and recovery effort, specifically on a safety risk assessment (SRA) which helped shape a webinar organized on 18 March 2021. This joint bulletin is a result of the SRA and the webinar and highlights key considerations to be taken into account with regards to the impacts of health measures on operational staff, the possible long-term impacts of COVID infections, and best practices for health measures.
2. Operational Health and Safety in the Context of COVID-19
Impact of varying government requirements for testing and other health measures
Given the high complexity of the current public health crisis, States are applying different mitigation measures to manage public health risks. The varying measures affect the system in different ways. Non-standard testing may affect how operational staff are assessed as infectious or not. In addition, because of the varying requirements, crew are sometimes subject to testing pre-departure, post arrival at the destination, and upon return to home base. A crew member may be subject to COVID testing 6-10 times/month.
The differentiation of crew from the flying public when imposing measures before or after a duty will facilitate the continued operation of aircraft. ICAO’s Manual (Doc 10152) recommends States to recognize crew members as essential personnel. ICAO has also established a minimum dataset for testing certificates to facilitate States’ recognition and harmonization of their use for air travel. Mutual recognition of tests can minimize the operational and psychological burden and time spent on complying with the different requirements for crew.
From a human factors’ perspective, false positive testing can have negative impacts on operational staff, especially crew operating international flights. Growing stigma and fear associated with positive tests may negatively affect operational staff. Furthermore, PCR tests can remain positive for weeks to months post infection in some patients. Some authorities do not recommend additional PCR tests within a 90-day period of confirmation of diagnosis. Antigen tests may be considered to differentiate current infection from past/recovered infections.
Vaccination can reduce the number and severity of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases and serve as a protective measure for individuals. Additionally, vaccinations will play an important role in aviation recovery as the vaccinated proportion of the global population increases over time. While it should remain voluntary, priority for vaccination should be granted to aviation workers, once health care workers and vulnerable groups have been inoculated. Organizations should develop return to work policies post COVID infection and/or following vaccinations.
Recommended Mitigations:
Encourage mutual acceptance of tests and other health measures as they are rolled out. This could be achieved through the implementation of Public Health Corridors (PHCs) for mutual recognition of public health mitigation measures management of cross border health risks
Apply ICAO recommendations for testing and vaccinations, reflected in ICAO Doc 10152, (link).
Conduct local risk assessments taking into account global best practices.
Ensure that ICAO’s CART guidance and ICAO’s Doc 10152 are taken into consideration when developing national recovery plans.
Continually review corporate guidelines and return to work policies.
Challenges Associated with Managing Mixed Workforce
It is expected that a multi-layered risk assessment approach will continue to be used for the flying public as well as for operational staff. Vaccination needs to remain voluntary, however it is highly recommended. Therefore, the workforce in any given organizations may include a mix of vaccinated and non-vaccinated staff. This means that requirement for wearing masks, contact tracing, testing, and physical distancing, will sustain even after the roll-out of vaccines. This may also have an impact on staff rostering and corporate policies for health measures, applied even to vaccinated staff. At the same time there may be misconceptions about the efficacy of immunity once a person is vaccinated. Therefore, organizations need to ensure that there is proper communication and training to ensure a good understanding among operational staff about residual risks post vaccination. Additionally, regular risk assessment will be needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the multi-layered defense against infection outbreaks, to avoid operational interruptions caused by outbreaks among staff.
Recommended Mitigations:
Decisions related to relaxation of health measures should be based on data and recommendations by public health authorities.
Regular local risk assessments will be needed to identify additional mitigation measures that may be required.
ICAO’s CART guidance should be taken into consideration when developing national recovery plans.
Long-term health Impacts of COVID-19 Infection
The extent of COVID effects on cognitive abilities remains undetermined. However, preliminary indicators for a percentage of people who have been infected include a loss of taste and smell, loss of concentration and fatigue. There may also be possible risks around reduced lung function post COVID infection. This will require stakeholders across the aviation system to constantly review guidance for their operational staff and return to work policies post infection, as new scientific evidence becomes available and is updated.
The phycological impacts of COVID-19 infections remain critical. As the aviation industry navigates the different complexities and risks of recovering operations, mental wellbeing should be at the core of all strategies. Continued support will be needed for aviation staff across the system and at various levels. One recurring issue for air crews is having to quarantine away from home. Fatigue associated with COVID, feeling of isolation, as well as quarantine conditions in some States negatively impact crew’s mental health.
Recommended Mitigations:
Monitor new scientific evidence as it becomes available with regards to long term effects of COVID infections and update corporate policies, specifically return to work policies post infection.
Establish minimum conditions for quarantine away from home to ensure physical and mental wellbeing of crews. Reference : ICAO EB 20/36, Section 10.
Conduct local risk assessments taking into account global best practices.
Reinforce "Fit to work" self-assessment.
3. Recommendations
In order to utilize the best practices in this bulletin, it is recommended to use the identified hazards and the example safety risk assessment in Attachment – A to conduct an internal safety risk assessment by individual organizations or companies.
Concorde, one of the only two supersonic airliners ever operated commercially, was capable of travelling at a maximum speed twice the speed of sound, had crashed on 25 July 2000. The aircraft could transport passengers from New York to London with a usual 7 hours flight duration to only 3 hours, had involved in the accident killing all 109 passengers and crews on board. The crash was originated from a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on the runway, which is a metallic strip that had fallen from a Continental Airlines DC-10 leading to the explosion of the tyre and eventually precipitating fuel leak and fire. This fatal event shows us how important is to minimize the presence of FOD.
FOD is any object, live or not, located in an inappropriate location in the hangar environment that has the capacity to injure personnel and damage aircraft. A number of factors can affect the presence and handling of FOD:
Poor maintenance of buildings, equipment and aircraft.
Inadequate staff training.
Pressure on staff not to delay movements for inspection.
Weather (e.g. FOD may be created by strong winds or may be blown onto the airfield or its detection can be hampered by adverse weather).
Presence of uncontrolled (e.g. contractors') vehicles on the airfield
FOD prevention and clearance is the responsibility of all hangar users. However, specific responsibility must be allocated to appropriate persons who must be suitably trained and supervised. Quality assurance is an essential tool to ensure that responsible organisations and personnel carry out their allotted tasks correctly.
FOD shall be managed effectively when these areas are addressed:
Training: All personnel should receive training in the identification and elimination of FOD, including the potential consequences of ignoring it. Effective training also includes procedures for removing and eliminating FOD at its source. Recurrent training is necessary to help maintain an awareness of FOD.
Inspection: Constant monitoring by all personnel shall be organized by hangar users and if necessary, dedicated personnel to continually inspect for FOD shall be assigned.
Maintenance: FOD sweeping must be conducted periodically to remove any debris in the hangar.
SMS Framework:
Commitment - Stating understanding and commitment to uphold safety in environment
Accountabilities - Safety Action Group and everyone
Key personnel - Accountable Manager, Safety Manager, Safety Review Board, Safety Action Group
Emergency Response Plan - to address related to emergencies, crises or event
Documentation - manual, top level documents
Hazard identification - to prevent from accident thus may save life and company money
Risk Assessment - A simple mechanism to increase visibility of risks and assist management in decision making
Performance - evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation to ensure safety standard
Monitoring - continuous monitoring of safety performance
Management of change
Continuous improvement - all internal and external parties required to understand safety, via training, briefing etc.
Training - training as source of knowledge to ensure correct information of SMS
Communication - two-way communication and feedback system
OBJECTIVE
This is to describe MYCAS reporting system whenever accident/incident occurs. There are currently two types of reports which are accident/incident reports (reactive) and Hazard reports (proactive). This includes report format, confidentiality, data collection and analysis and subsequent dissemination of information on corrective actions, preventive measures and recovery controls.
This operating procedure establishes a systematic process to ensure that accidents are properly reported in a timely manner, that all causes (direct and contributory) are thoroughly identified and that the appropriate corrective actions are taken. It is also to determine the underlying causes of the incidences in order for remedial actions to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
MYCAS REPORTING FORMS
For the reporting system to be effective, all personnel connected to the organization, whether internally or externally, needs to actively participate.
All personnel need to be clear about how to report, what to report and who to report it to.
Information from the reports can then be used to identify safety risks so that appropriate action can be taken.
Any employee can report any accident, incident, hazard, near miss, unsafe act, unsafe condition and maintenance error using accident I incident report form or hazard report form or Safer card.
SAFETY POLICY
POLICY STATEMENT
Safety is a corporate value of this company, and we believe in providing our employees and customers with a safe environment.
Mycopter Aviation Services will maintain an active safety management system.
I support the open sharing of information on all safety issues and encourage all employees to report significant errors, safety hazards or concerns.
I pledge that no staff member will be asked to compromise our safety standards to "get the job done".
We will adopt Just Culture and No Blame Culture to ensure the Safety Essence is being captured and practiced
Ultimate responsibility for aviation safety in the company rests with me as the Managing Director/Accountable Manager.
Responsibility for making our operations safer for everyone lies with each one of us - from managers to front-line employees.
Each personnel are responsible for implementing the safety management system in his or her area of responsibility, and will be held accountable to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken.
Lastly, we will together strive for continuous improvement of our Safety Management System so that it will live and breathe inside our organization.
OBJECTIVE
Mycopter Aviation Safety Policy objective is to:
Make Safety as top agenda within MYCAS operation and to promote safety to be our organizational culture and in our individual work ethics.
Provide and maintain a healthy and safe work environment for all employees and all other persons on site
Provide aircraft maintenance to the highest possible safety standard in accordance with airworthiness authority regulations to ensure flight and ground safety.
Make it the responsibilities of all the personnel to comply with all procedures, standards and regulations at all times in accordance with this policy.
COMMITMENT
In order to achieve the objective Mycopter Aviation is committed to:
Promote Human Factor Principle awareness and necessary safety training to all staff.
Promote open channel for all staff to report maintenance error, incidents, unsafe acts and non-compliance of procedures with non-punitive reporting policy.
Regard all legal documents of the CAAM and Aircraft/Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standard as the minimum acceptable standard.
Establish and adhere to procedures to identify, evaluate and control to eliminate safety hazards as laid down in Mycopter Aviation SMS Manual.
Improve the effectiveness of Mycopter Aviation Safety Management System through annual review of Mycopter Aviation SMS Manual and Organization.
Allocate necessary resources and finance to promote this policy.