Assuring value from independent safety audits

Abstract

Independent safety audits can be valuable management tools for an aeromedical program. Not only can they evaluate the program's present posture, but, if used properly, they can provide significant help in planning for a program's successful future. The phases of pre-safety audit planning safety audit accomplishment, and safety audit follow-up should be structured and well-thought out.

Keep in mind that safety should be a non-negotiable element of an aeromedical program. Your operation can be as safe as management wishes it to be, but management must be willing to make the necessary personal and financial investments.

To that end I have a favorite truism which I first heard spoken by Robert Carney of Reed, Stenhouse Ltd. “If you think safety is expensive, wait until you have an accident!”