ATSB investigations have resulted in many improvements to transport safety, according to a new research report, although problems with the procedures used to manage safety risk continue to be the most common issue in all three modes of transport.
The report examines safety issues-and resulting actions-identified by the ATSB across the aviation, marine and rail sectors during 20010-11.
From the ATSB's investigations, 121 safety issues (factors that could adversely affect the safety of future operations) were identified. The transport industry undertook 137 separate safety actions to deal with these issues.
ATSB Chief Commissioner, Mr Martin Dolan, said the report shows that industry is taking steps to address safety problems as they are identified.
"It's the ATSB's job to identify and point out where there are issues with transport safety," Mr Dolan said. "We are encouraged that the aviation, marine and rail industries are actively managing these issues by improving procedures, documentation and education, but more needs to be done."
Mr Dolan highlighted that inadequate procedures remained the greatest safety risk across all three modes of transport, as had been the case last year.
Fifty-one aviation safety investigations completed by the ATSB identified a total of 75 safety issues. Poor or insufficient procedures to manage safety risk were, the most common type of problem identified. Most of these issues were associated with flight operations.
The ATSB's 11 marine safety investigations identified 27 safety issues, with procedures standing out, once again, as the most common safety issue. Navigation procedures were the most common issue with safe marine operations.
Eight of the rail safety investigations conducted by the ATSB identified procedural problems as the main source of safety concern. The most significant safety issues involved the design and operation of procedures. Two of the three procedural issues that posed significant safety risk to ongoing rail operations concerned network operations.
A full copy of Safety issues and safety actions identified through ATSB transport safety investigations: 2010-2011 financial year is available on the ATSB website.