Canadian safety investigators to audit Australian Transport Safety Bureau processes

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will conduct an independent external review of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)’s investigation processes.

The review, to begin with an initial visit by the TSB team, will provide an independent and objective assessment of the ATSB’s investigation methodology and processes.
The review team will benchmark TSB investigation methodologies with the ATSB’s and compare them with international standards. The review will also examine how ATSB methodologies and processes have been applied to ATSB investigations and compare them with TSB approaches.

The review is a new step in the ATSB’s continuing close co-operation with other international investigation agencies. It will provide both organizations with a significant learning opportunity, said ATSB chief commissioner Martin Dolan.

“I invited the TSB to conduct the review because we are always looking to improve our investigation systems and approaches,” Dolan said. “I’m grateful that our Canadian colleagues have agreed”.

The review will identify best practices from both organizations that ATSB can adopt to improve how it investigates accidents and occurrences and improves transport safety, he said.

“The TSB is well placed to conduct this review as they have a similar legislative framework to the ATSB and a long-standing commitment to systemic investigation to improve safety.”

It is anticipated that the TSB will produce a final report in spring of 2014. The report will be published by the TSB and available on the TSB website.