NHVR 9 Step Safety Management System Roadmap

• 1Introduction
  to
  SMS
• 2Risk
  assessment,
  treatment
  & monitoring
• 3Hazard
  & incident
  reporting
• 4Management
  commitment &
  documentation
• 5Internal
  safety
  investigations
• 6Safety
  training &
  communication
• 7Safety
  performance
  monitoring
• 8Third
  party
  interactions
• 9Continuous
  improvement
  & change
  management

Step 1 – Introduction to SMS

Having a Safety Management System (SMS) can be one of the most effective ways to meet your safety obligations under the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). 

The 9 Step SMS Roadmap is designed to guide the adoption, development and implementation of an SMS as part of your day to day business. Each step contains an important function or element of an effective SMS. Whether you are “Starting Out”, “Improving On”, or aiming for “Continuous Improvement” on your SMS journey, having each of these elements in place can greatly assist you with managing safety risks in the business.

The 9 Steps describe an optimal roadmap to developing an SMS, filling the gaps in an existing SMS, or improving the performance of an already implemented system. NHVR’s recommended approach is to choose where you believe your system is at now, and progress through the steps in order – from 1 through to 9. By using the 9 Step SMS Roadmap you agree to the following terms of use.

• Starting Out
• Improving On
• Continuous Improvement

In each Step, the “Starting Out” journey contains information for the business where none, or very few, documented SMS elements or functions are in place. This is a good place to start for those new to or unfamiliar with implementing an SMS as it contains guidance on the key system elements and foundations.

“Starting Out” focuses on providing your business with the foundational SMS elements for development and implementation. Upon completion, you should then move through each of the 9 steps again under “Improving On” where there is a focus on other key SMS elements and processes. Before going to step 2, read the SMS Fact Sheet. It overviews how an effective SMS can be beneficial in managing the safety risks of heavy vehicle operations and transport activities. You should also determine what SMS elements you may yet require as part of your business, utilising this Safety Management Systems (SMS) Checklist.