11.2 Summary of SMS drivers that promote your continuous improvement in EHS performance

• 11. Find the Gaps in your SMS and GDC with regulated accreditation stds.
• 11.1 How to get your SMS & GDC gap analysis free
• 11.3 How this website supports your SMS and GDC Gap Analysis and example report

Good Drivers – Improve productivity, reduce incidents, and enhance employee morale.

Strategic SMS Drivers 

1. Leadership & Commitment

• Visible senior management support
• Clear health & safety policy
• Integration of safety into company values
• Defined accountability at all levels
• Good clear and precise communications (page 2)

2. Planning

• Hazard identification & risk assessment
• Legal & regulatory compliance
• Safety objectives & targets
• Management of change (MOC)

3. Roles, Responsibilities & Organization

• Defined IRS roles and safety responsibilities
• Responsibilities Integrated into job descriptions
• Adequate resourcing for H&S and training
• Clear organizational structure

Operational Drivers 

4. Training, Competence & Awareness

• Induction and job-specific training
• Competency verification
• Ongoing refresher training
• Awareness campaigns and toolbox talks

5. Worker Participation & Communication

• Two-way communication channels
• Active worker involvement (e.g., safety committees)
• Encouragement of near-miss and hazard reporting
• Safety meetings, briefings, suggestion programs

6. Operational Control

• Safe work procedures and permits to work
• Maintenance and equipment safety
• Hazard controls (engineering, admin, PPE)
• Contractor management and supervision

7. Emergency Preparedness

• Emergency response plans and drills
• Adequate emergency equipment
• Trained response teams
• Post-drill reviews and continuous updates

8. Safe Physical Work Environment

• Good housekeeping and layout
• Adequate lighting and ventilation
• Ergonomic design
• Noise control and signage
• Welfare facilities (washrooms, hydration, rest areas)

Evaluation Drivers

9. Incident Reporting & Investigation

• Non-punitive reporting culture
• Near-miss and incident tracking
• Root cause analysis
• Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Sharing of lessons learned

10. Performance Monitoring & Improvement

• Leading and lagging indicators
• Regular inspections and audits
• Management reviews
• Continuous improvement cycle (Plan–Do–Check–Act)

Have the wind in your sails.