"Polly Thomson's Expert Insights for a
Safety-Conscious Maintenance Workforce

As safety is paramount in the aviation maintenance industry, ensuring that maintenance personnel are well-trained and equipped to handle potential risks is of utmost importance. 

In this article, Polly Thomson, an esteemed SMS specialized Safety Promoter at Steia Aviation, shares the top 10 best practices for safety training in the maintenance industry. 

These practices are aimed at fostering a safety-conscious culture, enhancing skills, and minimizing risks, all crucial elements in ensuring the highest level of safety within the maintenance operations.

A well-designed safety training curriculum should cover all relevant aspects of the maintenance process, including standard operating procedures, risk assessment methodologies, and safety protocols. It should be regularly updated to align with industry best practices and evolving regulations.

In the fast-paced aviation maintenance industry, a comprehensive and well-designed safety training curriculum is essential to ensure that maintenance personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to uphold the highest safety standards. 

Polly Thomson, an experienced SMS specialized Safety Promoter at Steia Aviation, sheds light on the importance of a well-crafted safety training curriculum that covers all relevant aspects of the maintenance process, including standard operating procedures, risk assessment methodologies, and safety protocols.

A robust safety training curriculum leaves no stone unturned when it comes to preparing maintenance personnel for their crucial roles. 

It encompasses a wide range of topics, from aircraft systems and components to inspection techniques, maintenance procedures, and human factor awareness. 

The goal is to provide a holistic understanding of the maintenance process to mitigate risks effectively.

A well-designed curriculum places a significant emphasis on SOPs, Standard Operating Procedures, the backbone of safe and efficient maintenance operations. Maintenance personnel must be well-versed in following SOPs to ensure consistency and compliance with established safety protocols.

When highlighting risk assessment methodologies and safety protocols in their CVs, maintenance professionals should emphasize the following skills:

a) Risk Identification: Demonstrating the ability to identify potential hazards and risks within the maintenance environment, whether related to equipment, processes, or human factors.

b) Risk Analysis: Showcasing analytical skills in assessing the severity and probability of identified risks, allowing for prioritization and appropriate risk management strategies.

c) Safety Protocols Adherence: Highlighting a track record of strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining a safety-first mindset

Regular Updates to Align with Best Practices and Regulations

The aviation industry is dynamic, with evolving best practices and regulations.

 A well-designed safety training curriculum should be regularly updated to reflect the latest industry standards, technological advancements, and safety recommendations. 

This ensures that maintenance personnel stay current and well-informed about emerging safety trends.

Safety training should go beyond theoretical knowledge. 

Practical, hands-on training provides maintenance personnel with valuable experience in applying safety procedures and enhances their ability to handle real-life scenarios effectively.

Continuous Learning and Refresher Courses. Safety training should be an ongoing process. 

Regular refresher courses and continuous learning opportunities keep maintenance personnel up-to-date with the latest safety trends, technologies, and industry developments