Introduction
A Safety Management System (SMS) is only truly effective if safety events are reported reliably, regularly, and honestly. But in reality, too many incidents go unreported. Why? Because reporting a mistake can still be seen as whistleblowing… or as a risk of being blamed.
A Well-Known Cultural Barrier
“Reporting an error or incident can have a negative connotation.”
This is a recurring concern shared by many of our clients: Reporting is too often seen as a threat, when it should be a tool for improvement.
Without a non-punitive approach, employees hesitate. They stay silent. And risks keep repeating.
A Non-Punitive Policy: The Foundation of a Credible SMS.
Implementing a clear non-punitive reporting policy means:
- Creating a climate of trust
- Acknowledging that human error is natural and inevitable
- Promoting transparency instead of silence
- Enabling proactive analysis of real risks
The Key Role of Digital Tools in Protecting Incident Reporters.
Our upcoming SMS module is built around this philosophy. Here’s how a digital tool can truly support a non-punitive culture:
- Built-in confidentiality: Users can report incidents confidentially.
- Reassuring message: Each form will include a clear and reassuring statement: “This report is confidential and will have no disciplinary consequences.”
- Customizable Workflows:
- You define who receives what, depending on the nature of the event.
- Sensitive information can be masked at certain levels.
- Possible integration with Nabu Pro: so that safety managers can get the full picture, without necessarily exposing the identity of the reporter to the entire hierarchy.
Encouraging Rather Than Punishing.
Our approach is simple: every report is a learning opportunity — not a mistake to punish. By linking your future SMS module with Nabu Pro, you’ll be able to:
- Associate preventive training with received reports
- Set up reminders or targeted awareness actions, without singling anyone out
- Track behavior changes without creating a culture of fear
Want to transform your safety culture?
We’re here to talk about it. Contact us!
