What is the purpose of a safety policy in an SMS?

The purpose of a safety policy in a Safety Management System (SMS) is fundamentally to establish safety goals and responsibilities within an organization. This policy sets the tone for how safety is perceived and managed, ensuring that all members of the organization understand their roles in promoting and maintaining a safe environment.

A well-defined safety policy provides a framework that outlines the commitment of the organization to safety. It clearly states the objectives related to safety performance and assigns accountability, ensuring that everyone from management to frontline employees understands what is expected of them in terms of safety. This creates a culture of safety, where workers are encouraged to participate in the safety process and take ownership of their responsibilities.

While defining safety procedures, conducting safety audits, and minimizing training costs may be important aspects of an SMS, they are not the primary purpose of a safety policy. The safety policy serves as the foundation upon which all other safety-related elements are built, guiding the development of procedures, audits, and training strategies that align with the organization's safety objectives.