Indulge me if you will, I am a huge proponent of Just Culture, not only in aviation but in all industries. Over my career with several major carriers, I have applauded the embrace of Just Culture precepts and the resulting safety improvements.

The evolution of sharing our mistakes so others won’t repeat them.  The learnings and the community that have grown once fear of reprisals was diminished and the integrations across all work groups.  

Then came COVID, and the uncertainty, when would we fly again? Will I have a job? What if I’m furloughed?

Some may have taken this as an opportunity to throw Just Culture to the wind.  “Wouldn’t want to stick my hand up, lest it be chopped off.” Don’t draw attention to yourself.  Just get the job done, with less money, less manpower, etc., etc.  

Here at the beginning of 2021, let us take a breath and acknowledge that COVID has made a profound impact on organizational culture.  

This is a test of our values, our commitment to safety and a robust return to full operational capacity. 

For some airlines, there has been a huge loss of tribal knowledge and culture but the principles of a Just Culture must survive.  

We must all commit to helping our colleagues who may need to refresh their skills after a furlough or are carrying an increased workload due to staff reductions. 

The safety of our operations, customers, and work colleagues must not be compromised as we emerge from these unprecedented times. 

The cornerstone of a robust and sustainable safety culture is leadership.  Leadership in all corners of the operation, not just the “C-Suite”.

Leadership

• Set a good example by demonstrating safe behaviors every day and compassionately bringing your colleagues back up to speed.
• Identify safety champions throughout the organization, support and empower them to spread the safety message.

Communication

Transparency and communication in times of uncertainty cannot but overstated.  Rumor and misinformation have the potential (if not the power) to derail even the most carefully crafted safety culture.

• Clearly reinforce current safety policies and communicate any changes that may be occurring.
• Communication is a two-way street, encourage and support questions and concerns that may arise.

The Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) defines a Just Culture as an “atmosphere of trust in which people are encouraged to provide essential safety-related information, but in which they are also clear about where the line must be drawn between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.”

As we reset and recover from the challenging conditions of the last year, let us reaffirm, embrace, and enhance our commitment and participation in a robust safety culture that is both learning and Just.

Beginning this month, our Bye George blog will be “guest-hosting” noted aviation safety experts with whom I have had the pleasure of working with over my career and allowing them to provide an additional perspective to the management of aviation safety during these challenging times.

This month, we are pleased to have SMS and FDM expert Ms. Anna Bernhardt share her thoughts on the need to ensure the continued presence of “Just Culture”. I hope that you enjoy Anna’s thoughts on this important matter!