What is a “safety management system”?

A safety management system refers to a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety and health of employees by systematically managing risks and promoting a culture of safety within an organization. This approach encompasses policies, procedures, practices, and responsibilities aimed at achieving safety objectives through continuous improvement and proactive risk management.

By establishing a structured environment for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing safety measures, a safety management system helps organizations not only comply with legal requirements but also foster a culture that prioritizes prevention and employee well-being. This systematic methodology allows organizations to identify safety issues, allocate resources effectively, and monitor compliance over time, ultimately enhancing workplace safety outcomes.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the broad, strategic framework that a safety management system represents. A mandatory safety course may provide valuable training but does not constitute the entire system; government-enforced regulations provide guidelines but lack the comprehensive internal structure that a safety management system embodies; and technical tools for accident analysis, while important for understanding past incidents, do not encompass the ongoing management processes required to ensure safety continuously.