Continuous improvement

Continuous improvement is a key principle in rail safety. In the context of risk management, continuous improvement is about continually and effectively taking opportunities to improve the resilience of your organisation to hazards. Your safety systems should work together to provide you with information you can act upon, which includes:

• monitoring and reviewing your organisation’s performance so you know where to improve and when you can celebrate success
• reviewing your safety case and safety systems to ensure they remain relevant and fit for purpose
• ensuring the culture of your organisation encourages people to share ideas, and
• understanding the impacts of any changes and ensuring they are managed appropriately. 

The risks identified in your risk register also need to be reviewed periodically to ensure they are accurate and that aspects of them haven’t changed. Changes in safety practices, new plant items, staff changes and technological advances are examples of why regular reviews are necessary.

By reviewing your organisation’s work activities on an ongoing basis, you are well placed to identify any new risks that might need to be managed as soon as they arise. Even if your current processes are working, there may be a better way to do things. Often it could be as simple as involving your workers more.