Organizational Safety From the Work Floor Perspective

Looking at organizational safety from the work floor perspective, with an operational mindset, may identify different causes for deficiencies in organizational safety that may not easily be addressed by authorities. Even though accident rates in aviation continue to slowly decline (ICAO safety reports), certain practices can be observed from a work floor perspective that might reverse this trend. Management style in a company may suppresssafety related signals from the work floor. Formal feedback processes may not be effective for all safety related issues. To clarify the threat, we present a model that identifies three components of safety. From case studies also barriers to safety innovations are identified, that are embedded in the procedural and legal oriented mindset of present day management and authorities.With the increased complexity of present day airborne equipment the question emerges ifthe certified status of systems and procedures must remain static or does require some maintenance by authorities.This conference paper will include a, work floor based, analysis of safety related mechanisms in present day aviation operation and will give suggestions for improvement.