Safety Culture and its measurement in aviation

Abstract

In this paper I describe the concept of Safety Culture and its measurement, with particular regard to aviation. The impetus for the paper stems from a proposed intervention into a segment of the aviation market and a desire to measure the effectiveness of the intervention. The paper commences with a discussion on the term safe(ty) to place some boundaries on the term and to frame the proceeding discussion. Closely linked to the concept of Safety Culture is Safety Climate which is also discussed in some detail. Whilst the paper considers the divergence of views on the definitions of Safety Culture it also draws out significant similarities and ties different perspectives to a framework espoused by Cooper (1999). As the paper demonstrates, measurement of Safety Culture can be a significant task however acceptable levels of measurement can be obtained by the administration and evaluation of surveys or questionnaires.