Developing an Acceptable Level of Competence in our Aviation Safety Management System

The effectiveness of the Safety Management System is directly connected to the management of Competence throughout the organisation.
 
The goal of an effective safety Management System (SMS) competence management system is to:
 
a) Reduce risks
b) Ensure compliance with all legal and other regulatory requirements
c) Comply with the organisation’s business objectives and ensure contractual commitments
d) Empower individuals to deliver their job role obligations in a safe, efficient and effective way
 
Delivering functional safety relies on a complex mix of Process Procedures, oversight mechanisms, Human Factors and the impact of the Safety Culture within the workplace. Competence can be negatively affected by aspects of physical, medical or mental fitness which should also be considered on an ongoing basis.
 
Competence is an essential attribute when considering behaviours in a non-normal situations.
 
For a person to be considered competent, they need appropriate qualifications, together with experience, and other “soft skills” appropriate to their job role.

Consider the following related to SMS Competence:
 
Appropriate training in respect of the delivery of the task or activity in the correct way (core trade or task competence);
 
Understanding of the potential hazards associated with the performance of the tasks and duties required of the employees (both self and others);
 
Full knowledge of the process procedures and working practices relevant and applicable to the organisation;
 
The ability to ensure effective communication both with staff working under their guidance and with other team members including persons to whom they report (managers and supervisors);
 
An awareness of personal limitations in respect of own ability and any associated constraints which may be related to knowledge, experience or other factors. As well as general and role specific knowledge, competence also includes soft skills including attitude and behaviour.
 
Also required is a detailed awareness of Health and Safety best practice, regulatory obligations and other legislative requirements relevant to the work place as well as an awareness of best practice developments within the job role.
 
A competence management system should be developed to ensure that all Safety Management System obligations within the organisation are delivered and ensured in such a way that staff are able to both fulfill their work related responsibilities as well as to perform all other activities to an acceptable level of competence.
 
The SMS competence management system should be able to ensure that all employees have a clear understanding of what their job role requires of them, that they receive appropriate training, as well as development support and ongoing assessment to ensure continued effectiveness.

Through ignorance it is possible that some people may be unaware (to a degree) of the correct way of performing a given task. With training they may then become aware of their limitations. In this way they are able to overcome any limitations and gain the necessary competence.

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