Your document management glossary

Safety Culture refers to the collective values, beliefs, and behaviors within an organization that prioritize and support safety as a core operational goal. In the aviation industry, this concept is critical for reducing risk and preventing accidents, going beyond compliance with regulations to encourage proactive safety management.

A strong safety culture is characterized by open communication, continuous learning, accountability, and a non-punitive approach to reporting errors or hazards. When safety is embedded into the organizational DNA—from leadership to front-line staff—it fosters an environment where safety concerns are raised and addressed promptly.

Regulatory bodies like EASA and the FAA emphasize safety culture as a foundational element of Safety Management Systems (SMS). Tools like Web Manuals support safety culture by making it easier to manage safety-related documentation, track changes, and ensure that critical information is clearly communicated and understood across teams.

By investing in a positive safety culture, aviation organizations can improve operational performance, regulatory compliance, and ultimately, passenger and crew safety.