Safety Management System (SMS)
Safety Management System (SMS)
A Safety Management System (SMS) is a structured, proactive, and systematic approach to managing safety across the entire airport operation. It ensures that safety is built into every decision, process, and responsibility—from frontline staff to executive leadership. SMS helps identify hazards early, manage risks effectively, and continuously improve the safety, efficiency, and resilience of airport operations.
The Four Key Components of SMS:
- Safety Policy
Safety Policy defines the organization’s commitment to safety and outlines responsibilities and expectations at every level. It empowers employees to speak up, report concerns, and take ownership of maintaining a safe environment.
- Safety Risk Management
Safety Risk Management focuses on identifying hazards and evaluating risks before they lead to incidents. By assessing potential impacts and implementing safeguards, the airport reduces risks to acceptable levels and prevents issues before they occur.
- Safety Assurance
Safety Assurance ensures that safety controls and processes remain effective over time. Through inspections, trend analysis, audits, and continuous improvement, the airport verifies that risks stay within acceptable limits and adapts to new challenges.
- Safety Promotion
Safety Promotion strengthens safety culture through communication, engagement, and training. It ensures employees remain informed, empowered, and connected—building an environment where safety is understood, valued, and practiced every day.
PHX actively integrates SMS principles into daily operations, reinforcing our commitment to proactive risk management and a strong, collaborative safety culture across the airport.