What is the primary goal of safety management systems?

The primary goal of safety management systems is to proactively manage safety risks and hazards. This approach focuses on identifying potential safety issues before they result in incidents or accidents. By prioritizing risk management, safety management systems enable organizations to implement preventive measures and foster a culture of safety that goes beyond mere compliance with regulations. This proactive stance ensures a safer workplace environment, ultimately protecting employees and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.

While ensuring compliance with regulations is an important aspect of safety management, it is somewhat reactive as it focuses on meeting existing standards rather than preventing problems. Defining specific employee roles is also essential for clarity and accountability, but it does not encompass the broader aims of managing risks. Similarly, while increasing production efficiency may be a beneficial outcome of effective safety practices, it is not the primary purpose of safety management systems. The core mission is about identifying, assessing, and mitigating safety risks to create a safer work environment.