Safety Management System

In order for The Ohio State University Airport to provide the safest environment possible for its staff and pilots, the airport has implemented a Safety Management System (SMS). By definition a SMS is, “formalized approach to managing safety by developing an organization-wide safety policy, developing formal methods of identifying hazards, analyzing and mitigating risk, developing methods for ensuring continuous safety improvement, and creating organization-wide safety promotion strategies.” SMS helps promote a safe environment by consistently considering safety in all aspects of the airport operations. So, what does this mean to you?

There are four pillars of SMS – Safety Policy, Safety Assurance, Safety Risk Management, and Safety Promotion – that will be affecting all areas of the airport. Safety Policy is related to the fundamentals of safety management that the airport has committed to and is a coherent aspect of all procedures. The Ohio State airport has also formed a safety committee that is composed of members representing a multitude of interests and is devoted to continued improvement of policies and all other aspects of SMS. Safety Risk Management and Safety Assurance work together to proactively prevent accidents or any other mishap. Any individual at the airport can assist in Safety Risk Management by submitting a hazard report. This simple form allows the airport to collect data on the hazards. A risk assessment is then performed on the hazard and the necessary procedures are performed accordingly. In order for these risks to stay at bay, Safety Assurance consistently measures the effectiveness of the risk control and ensures the hazard has not become more of a danger. The final pillar, Safety Promotion, involves all members of the airport community. Staff and all levels of management can contribute a positive attitude towards safety and continually strive to improve training and communication.

Hazard Reporting

Employees, users and organizations of KOSU are encouraged to report safety hazards that may have been observed or encountered. This can be anything; for example, confusing signage, procedures, unsafe acts witnessed or anything safety-related with regards to the ramp and airfield areas. These reports are non-punitive and can be submitted anonymously, if desired. Participation is strictly voluntary and highly encouraged to increase safety at KOSU.

To report a hazard, download, complete and submit a Hazard Reporting Form.