on safety initiatives and demonstrating commitment, it goes a long way to building a strong safety culture,” said Honan. USE DATA WHEN REPORTING TO C-SUITES Entering the conversation with data from safety systems typically helps when reporting to C-suites, Honan said, whether it be information from safety performance indicators showing a reduction in a certain type of error, or newly identified threats that have been mitigated. As an example, Honan described a crew member’s honest report of an unsafe towing practice.The report may have prevented a ground handling accident with potential damages valued in the six-figure range. FEAR = HIGHER RISKS AND COSTS According to NBAA Director, Safety and Flight Operations Mark Larsen, CAM, demonstrating value to company executives ties into a broader effort to communicate the overall value of an organization. “Without a just culture, companies often resort to punitive measures, such as firing employees after mistakes,” Larsen said. “With today’s shortage of qualified aviation professionals, the cost of losing a trained employee has risen sharply.” Replacing an employee brings significant direct and indirect costs. When employees fear punishment, issues may be hidden instead of addressed, creating greater long-term risks and expenses. Larsen noted that organizations embracing just culture often frame it in financial and strategic terms, showing leaders that while mistakes carry short-term costs, the long-term value of learning and employee retention is far greater. typically conducted anonymously, ask employees a variety of questions, ranging from their opinions on the company’s safety policies to whether they feel their safety submissions will be met with reprisal,” Honan said. Instances of active participation and listening by management personnel are also helpful metrics. Honan said software-based SMS like Nimbl can demonstrate this, tracking metrics such as user login frequency information and management communications. “A just culture is demonstrated from the top down and, if management is actively involved and speaking with their employees on safety matters, being transparent 12 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 05, ISSUE 04
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