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Safety Management System (SMS)
VIH Cougar Helicopters uses a documented process for managing risks that integrates operations and technical systems (Maintenance) with the management of financial and human resources to ensure safety in the workplace as well as the safety of our customers.
A key goal of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) is to reduce helicopter accidents by 80% mainly through the development and implementation of SMS for all rotor wing operators. VIH Cougar Helicopters is leading the way - having already created and implemented our own SMS before the international need was determined.
Our SMS ensures your personal safety by constantly monitoring all our operations and confirming that:
- Our policies are sound
- Our employees are committed
- Our employees are properly trained
- Our employees are provided a safe working environment
- Our aircraft are airworthy
- Our aircraft are operated safely
- Our contractors meet our safety standards
Key Components of our SMS include:
- Dedicated Management
- Assigning Responsibility and Accountability
- FAA Approved and Monitored Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS)
- Using Standard Operating Procedures
- Focusing on Hazard and Risk Management
- Utilizing Management of Change procedures
- Defining Communication and Training requirements
- Conducting and documenting Audits, Assessments and Inspections
- Establishing Document Control
- Simplifying Effective Event Reporting using our company internet portal
- Training and preparing for Emergency Response possibilities
- Conducting Incident Investigations
- Implementing Incident Prevention Policies
- Measuring and Monitoring Key Performance Indicators
- Senior Managements Commitment to Proactive Improvement
- Committed to Sharing of Industry Best Practices
The VIH Cougar Helicopters Safety Management System (SMS) is key to our exceptional safety record. The following subsections make up the components of our SMS:
Aviation Safety
Our Safety Reporting System is another Web Based industry leading safety initiative. This system allows any VIH Cougar Helicopters employee to log-in and report any safety concern. The system then automatically and immediately forwards the report to the Safety Managers who review the report and forward it to the appropriate business units and to our customer's safety departments if requested. The system tracks the resolution of the process, requires input from department managers and relentlessly reminds the responsible parties of their required tasks until a resolution is finalized.
Safety Reporting System
Our Safety Reporting System is another Web Based industry leading safety initiative. This system allows any VIH Cougar Helicopters employee to log-in and report any safety concern. The system then automatically and immediately forwards the report to the Safety Managers who review the report and forward it to the appropriate business units and to our customer's safety departments if requested. The system tracks the resolution of the process, requires input from department managers and relentlessly reminds the responsible parties of their required tasks until a resolution is finalized.
This information is maintained and tracked in a company database which is regularly audited as a part of our Safety Management System. This allows us to discover trends in the types of incidents we are dealing with or certain locations, people or even aircraft that may need special attention or additional training.
The best part about the system is that it allows our personnel to take action, to be a part of the safety solution, and see real results from their input.
Continuing Anaylsis and Surveillance System (CASS)
VIH Cougar Helicopters also has an FAA approved CASS program. The CASS Committee meets monthly and includes key personnel from all departments including Operations, Maintenance, Business Office and Ground Support.
As issues arise and are resolved throughout the month they are tracked by the CASS system. The issues as well as the resolutions are discussed to determine if there are additional actions that can be taken to ensure the event or other similar event, does not reoccur. The CASS Committee provides an organized method for ensuring all safety issues and their resolutions are presented to all key managers so the members can address similar issues in their own areas - before an incident occurs, and to ensure the other departments have no conflicts with the resolution.
The CASS committee also provides oversight to the individuals who are dealing with issues on a daily basis and ensures their suggested resolutions are sufficient.
CASO/BASO
The SMS system is managed by our Company Aviation Safety Officer (CASO). In addition, each of our operations bases has an assigned Base Aviation Safety Officer (BASO). This ensures that even when the CASO is not around, someone has been designated as the safety Point of Contact. BASO's are chosen for their safety awareness, professionalism and approachability.
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