MODULE 8: EVALUATING THE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Evaluation Process

Improving the Safety Management System

When you decide some part of the safety management system needs to be improved, it's important use a systematic process to make sure the change is effective. We encourage the use of W. Edwards Deming's Plan-Do-Study-Act process. Let's take a brief look at this process:

Step 1: Plan - Design the change or test. Take time to thoroughly plan the proposed change before it's implemented. Pinpoint specific conditions, behaviors, results you expect to see as a result of the change. Plan to ensure successful transition as well as change.

Step 2: Do - Carry out the change or test. Implement the change or test it on a small scale. This will help limit the number of variables and potential damage if unexpected outcomes occur. Educate, train, communicate the change...help everyone transition. Keep the change small to better measure variable.

Step 3: Study - Examine the effects or results of the change or test. To determine what was learned: what went right or wrong. Statistical process analysis, surveys, questionnaires, interviews

Step 4: Act - Adopt, abandon, or repeat the cycle. Incorporate what works into the system. Ask not only if we're doing the right things, but ask if we're doing things right. If the result was not as intended, abandon the change or begin the cycle again with the new knowledge gained.

Time again for a short Module Quiz.