Managing the complexity of risks and regulatory compliance: Looking at safety from both ways

摘要

This paper reviews the top-down nature of regulation and makes the case for the benefits of a 'bottom up' approach using the principles of safety management systems. The logic of common international standards is outlined in the context of International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). All airports are different - as Airport Council International (ACI) says, 'When you've seen one airport, you've seen one airport', and this relates to different hazards and risks found at different airports. Examplesof layout and geography affecting specific risks are explained, recognising one size does not fit all. The case for detailed analysis of statistics is made to ensure a true understanding is obtained from the data. The importance of data collection is underlined and the need for reporting ofevents is identified as key to maximise understanding from the best picture of risk possible. Key performance indicators are discussed and the control, or lack of control, is explored for airports to achieve targets.