What is the function of a safety management system (SMS)?

The function of a safety management system (SMS) is primarily to systematically manage safety risks and ensure safe operations. An effective SMS provides a structured approach to identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures, which helps organizations improve safety performance and foster a culture of safety. By integrating safety into all aspects of operations, an SMS not only prioritizes employee and public safety but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. This proactive management of safety risks supports continuous improvement and the establishment of safe work practices across an organization.

While recording historical incident data, setting benchmarks for performance evaluations, and training employees are all important components of an overall safety strategy, they are not the fundamental purpose of an SMS. These elements can be included within the broader framework of a safety management system, but the core focus remains on the systematic management of risks and the promotion of safe operational practices.