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A strong Safety Policy is the cornerstone of an effective Safety Management System (SMS). Yet, many organizations struggle with defining one that truly resonates and drives meaningful change. The key? Focus on the dot on the horizon—define the desired and expected safety culture, and the policy will almost write itself.
Start with the End in Mind
Top Management must first ask: What kind of safety culture do we want to achieve? This long-term vision acts as the guiding star, ensuring that every element of the Safety Policy aligns with the organization’s core values and safety aspirations. When the culture is clearly envisioned, setting suitable Safety Objectives and Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) becomes a logical next step.
An organization’s Safety Policy should be ambitious yet realistic, matching the current maturity level of its SMS. If your SMS is in its infancy, avoid setting high-level, abstract safety goals that feel unattainable. Instead, define practical, actionable objectives that encourage continuous improvement. As the organization matures, these goals can evolve, progressively moving towards a stronger safety culture.
Top Management plays a crucial role in embedding safety into the organization’s DNA. A well-crafted Safety Policy should not be a static document but a living, breathing framework that guides decision-making, employee behavior, and operational standards. It should inspire employees at all levels to actively contribute to a safe working environment.
How has your organization approached defining its Safety Policy? Have you found that focusing on the intended safety culture makes the process easier?
