RAF Sport Aircraft Safety
Because safety doesn't happen by accident...
The RAFSA Safety Commitment
The RAFSA Safety Commitment from the RAFSA Chair ensures that the organisation will:
- Improve and maintain towards the highest safety standards.
- Comply with all applicable legislation, meet all applicable standards and consider best practice.
- Provide appropriate resources.
- Enforce safety as a primary responsibility of all managers.
- Promote a Just Culture by not blaming someone for reporting something that would not have been otherwise detected. Confidentiality will be respected, and no punitive action taken except in the case of gross negligence. An example of gross negligence might be where an individual is aware that a serious risk of harm might result from their conduct but chooses to continue regardless. Such conduct would include action as well as inaction.
What makes us different?
Learning from our mistakes
Occurrences will inevitably happen and can provide a valuable learning opportunity. The Safety Manager, or a nominated deputy, will investigate all occurrences, calling on such specialist assistance that may be required and prepare a report for the Safety Committee. The committee will review the findings from all incidents and recommend to the Accountable Manager any changes that may be required to prevent a recurrence.
Continual Improvement
The RAFSA Chair is responsible for implementing any changes recommended by the Safety Committee and for ensuring that any relevant safety lessons are shared as widely as possible, both within RAFSA and with other organisations.
Just Culture
The purpose of the investigation of an occurrence is not attempt to apportion blame, merely to determine what happened, when, where, how and who was involved. Every effort should be made to understand why the occurrence happened and, to this end it is important to establish the facts and avoid speculation.
Wisdom before the Occurrence
The operation of RAFSA is dynamic and changes will frequently occur. Changes such as the introduction of new equipment, changes to facilities or scope of work, introduction of new aircraft or courses, new contractors, new procedures or changes to key staff members.
Procedures for managing change include:
- Risk assessment.
- Identification of the goals, objectives and nature of the proposed change.
- Identification of operational procedures.
- Analysis of changes in location, equipment or operating conditions.
- Ensuring that all personnel are made aware of and understand changes.
- Ensuring that changes are approved by the appropriate level of management.
- The responsibility for reviewing, evaluating and recording the potential safety hazards from the change or its implementation.
