Accidents and incidents in aviation have been used to enhance aviation safety. Safety information is a main source for the permanent enhancement of safety in aviation, but there are many risks to its inappropriate use. As a result, safety information is very sensitive and needs special protection.
The information is not to be put into the public domain or to be used against the personnel involved.
Voluntary reporting system are different than those that are mandatory, they shall contain safety concerns, issues or even hazards, connected with the suggestions as to how this can be avoided in the future. ICAO states that there should be a voluntary reporting system established and it shall be non-punitive.
A strong Just Culture is a fundamental part for a Positive Safety Culture. Having Just Culture enables operators and service providers to create a positive environment where the employees feel comfortable to report and share safety information without subjecting to any punitive actions. Therefore, a strong Just Culture is a key enabler to foster and support the other components of safety culture.
IFATCA Policy is:A Just Culture is an essential element of a positive safety culture, which fosters open communication, learning from mistakes, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Those Member Associations under national legal frameworks where mandatory and/or voluntary incident reporting systems are not yet compulsory, are encouraged to create one provided it is based on confidential reporting; the reported data shall be protected and never be used against the reporting person nor any other person mentioned in the report and it is compliant with ICAO Doc 9859 – Safety Management Manual, 4th Ed. (2018). Just Culture shall be in the service of safety, fostering a positive safety culture where individuals feel able to identify and report potential hazards without fear. It is by no ways a means of social control or disciplinary mechanism. A strong Just Culture is a fundamental part for a Positive Safety Culture. Having Just Culture enables operators and service providers to create a positive environment where the employees feel comfortable to report and share safety information without subjecting to any punitive actions. Therefore, a strong Just Culture is a key enabler to foster and support the other components of safety culture. Adhering to a Just Culture, and fostering a Positive Safety Culture, Air Navigation Service Providers can move to align with the characteristics of a High Reliability Organisation, minimising risks and maximising safety performance. IFATCA shall encourage Member Associations to urge their aviation organisations to develop a Just Culture Policy as a key component of a positive safety culture. This policy, supported by the highest organisational level and visibly endorsed by workforce level, should include the following elements:
Any incident reporting system shall be based on the following principles: a) Cooperation: with all those having a legitimate and appropriate interest b) Dissemination: distribution of safety-related data to all those with appropriate interest. c) Confidentiality: for the whole procedure, guaranteed by law. d) Protection: for those involved or mentioned in the report, the provision of which be within the remit of an independent body. e) Trust and mutual respect. Air Navigation Service Providers and their respective employee groups shall develop mechanisms that foster an environment of trust and mutual respect in order to improve the capability to compile, assess and disseminate safety-related information with each other, as well as with other national and international aviation organizations. Adhering to a Just Culture and fostering a Positive Safety Culture, Air Navigation Service Providers can move to align with the principles of a High Reliability Organisation minimising risk and maximising safety performance. |
