Benefits

Q2.  How can SMS be applied to a small operation and how can the costs be justified?

SMS principles and general performance requirements remain the same no matter the size of the organization implementing the system. However, the need for sophisticated and costly system support mechanisms will be greatly reduced in small operations. Properly implemented, SMS should reduce operating costs, so cost is not the ultimate factor.

Nevertheless, Transport Canada does recognize that small operators may face their own unique challenges in interpreting and implementing the new requirements. That is why SMS is being applied to the larger operators first. This will enable the companies with the greatest resources to do the initial work, and provide small operators with a model that can form the basis of their own, more simple, systems.

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