Congressional Safety Review Reveals Serious Flaws in Boeing’s Safety Culture
In a Congressionally-mandated safety review study of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), serious flaws in Boeing’s safety culture have been exposed. The study, conducted by a committee appointed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), highlights significant concerns despite years of efforts to improve safety.
Disconnect in Safety Culture
The expert panel appointed by the FAA observed a disconnect between Boeing’s senior management and other members of the organization when it comes to safety culture. The report raises questions about whether Boeing’s safety reporting systems promote open communication and non-retaliation. It also points out inadequate implementation of the five components of a positive safety culture, including reporting culture, just culture, flexible culture, learning culture, and informed culture.
Complex Safety Management System
While Boeing’s Safety Management System (SMS) procedures align with international and FAA frameworks, the expert panel found that they are not structured in a way that ensures all employees understand their role in the company’s SMS. The complexity and constant changes in procedures and training create confusion among employees, especially across different work sites and employee groups. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness of safety-related metrics at all levels of the organization, making it difficult for employees to understand the purpose and outcomes of various measuring methods.
Concerns Regarding Retaliation
Boeing’s restructuring of the management of the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) unit aimed to decrease opportunities for interference and retaliation against unit members. However, the expert panel found that there are still opportunities for retaliation, particularly in terms of salary and furlough ranking. This hinders the ability of unit members to effectively carry out their delegated functions.
Additional Safety Issues
The expert panel also identified other issues at Boeing that impact aviation safety. These include inadequate consideration of human factors, which are crucial for aviation safety, and a lack of pilot input in aircraft design. These findings suggest that Boeing needs to address these areas to ensure comprehensive safety measures.
Failure to Implement Safety Procedures
The study did not investigate specific airplane incidents or accidents but acknowledged that serious quality issues with Boeing products have become public during the panel’s activities. This amplifies concerns that safety-related messages or behaviors are not being implemented across the entire Boeing population.
Boeing’s Response
A Boeing official responded to the study, acknowledging the panel’s review and expressing appreciation for their work. They emphasized that Boeing has taken steps to foster a safety culture that encourages all employees to share their voice but acknowledged that there is more work to be done. Boeing will carefully review the panel’s assessment and learn from their findings as they continue their efforts to improve safety and quality programs.
Union’s Perspective
SPEEA, the engineers and technicians union and a member of the expert panel, welcomed the report as a catalyst for positive change at Boeing. They highlighted the disconnect between messaging from Boeing headquarters and direct supervisors, emphasizing the need for quality and safety to be core values embraced by everyone. The union proposed an Aviation Safety Action Program in partnership with Boeing and the FAA, which would allow members to come forward without fear of retaliation when they identify production or design errors.
Moving Forward
The Congressional safety review study has shed light on serious flaws in Boeing’s safety culture. It is crucial for Boeing to address these concerns and work towards fostering a safety culture that prioritizes open communication, non-retaliation, and comprehensive understanding of safety procedures. The proposed Aviation Safety Action Program could be a step in the right direction, enabling employees to contribute to improving safety without fear of jeopardizing their careers. By taking these necessary steps, Boeing can restore its reputation for quality and ensure the safety of its aircraft for generations to come.
