NATCA Bookshelf

11 COMMUNICATING FOR SAFETY • 2023 5 Pillars of Safety Element Just Culture Reporting Culture Informed Culture Learning Culture Flexible Culture Definition An atmosphere of trust in which people are encouraged to report without fear of punishment but with an understanding that there is a difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Operational personnel willingly share critical safety information without the threat of punishment. The organization collects and analyses relevant data, and actively disseminates safety information. An organization must possess the willingness and the competence to draw the right conclusions from its safety information system and the will to implement necessary reforms. An organization allows those most qualified to lead, when appropriate, regardless of title or position. Personnel are empowered to make decisions in the absence of policy or procedure to address nonstandard events. Description All members of an organization must understand that it is unacceptable to punish all errors or mistakes. It is equally unacceptable to give blanket immunity to all actions that could, or did, result in an incident or accident. An organization must develop and educate all employees on the rules that determine acceptable versus unacceptable actions. A reporting culture is not simply having a reporting process; it is the attitude towards, and the motives for, reporting events and systemic issues. A reporting culture hinges on how the organization handles blame and punishment. If blame is the standard response to errors, reporting will not happen. But, if blame and punishment is reserved for truly egregious behaviors, reporting tends to happen voluntarily. In contrast, there is no place for a blanket no-blame approach in a reporting culture either. It relies on a just culture. Management supports a culture where people understand the hazards and risks inherent in their operation. Personnel are provided with the knowledge and skills required to work safely. Personnel are empowered to identify the threats to safety in the NAS and to provide suggestions to fix them. An informed culture relies on having a strong reporting culture. Reports are only effective if an organization learns from them. Learning results from both reactive (usually an event) and proactive (usually systemic issues) safety assessments. An organization is flexible in that it recognizes the need for employees to be able to make informed decisions in the absences of direction, depending on the urgency of the situation and the expertise of those involved.

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