One of the encouraging trends we’ve started to notice in 2021 is that operators have started to take a real interest in their Safety Management System. It’s been heartening to see that the SMS is shifting from a dusty ring binder required for compliance, to a living system used by staff daily to ensure they follow correct procedures. This leads to better continual improvement with shorter, more specific safety plans that staff understand and can adhere more easily to.

Some of our operators tell us that they’ve been running a safe activity for 35 years and there is no need for paperwork. You may be able to provide a great experience but there is still the requirement for a Safety Management System that meets the requirements of the Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities. If you know how to provide a safe activity, write it down. Who knows, maybe others can learn from your knowledge.
Start by figuring out who the SMP is for…it’s not a marketing exercise. It should be succinct and easy to navigate. If a contract guide comes back after three months, how easily can they find any amendments, or what equipment is required for a particular tramp?
Contracting a consultant can be good but please shop around for someone who actually works in or understands the activities you provide! We have audited several safety plans this year that have been obstructed, instead of helped, by generic health and safety information that has nothing to do with the activities provided. This can leave you vulnerable as any investigation will quickly notice that there is no possible way you (an owner/operator running weekend abseiling) can adhere to the 200 pages of requirements (including safety committee meetings and re-evaluating staff heavy machinery licenses) that you probably haven’t even read properly.
When reviewing a draft good practice document earlier this year, one of the emails from a fellow reviewer stuck with me. The document was a bit long and I’d just got through it when my email pinged with this:
“I didn’t read the whole thing but then again, who does?”!
The best safety plans are short and to the point. Richard Branson is credited with saying, “Any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to make something simple. Complexity is your enemy”. Consider this when you next review your SMS.