Continuous vs. Snapshot LOSA

01/14/2021 | Comment

What is the difference between a Continuous and Snapshot LOSA?

Continuous LOSA

A LOSA program that provides a constant stream of observational data over time with discretionary data validation and analysis windows.

 

Snapshot LOSA

A LOSA program that collects, validates, and analyzes observational data within a set time (usually six months from start to end, concluding with a LOSA Report).

Continuous LOSA Snapshot LOSA
Management Style Program-driven Project-driven
Timetable Frequency Variable (can start and stop) Fixed (usually conducted once every three years)
Workload Distribution Self Managed

Operator personnel needed for all LOSA phases

Involvement from The LOSA Collaborative as is required 		Turnkey

Operator personnel needed for specific LOSA phases

The LOSA Collaborative is responsible for the majority of the workload
Observers Team of consistent observers that are susceptible to groupthink Team of one-time observers that offer a fresh perspective of TEM performance
Data Collection Timing Flexible and variable Fixed within one time period
Data Validation Multiple roundtables that validate data periodically One roundtable that validates all data at once
Data Analysis Variable – Dashboard-centric with the option to perform data deep-dives depending on a sample size Exhaustive - One-time data deep dive resulting in analysis within a given time
Results Impact Discretionary feed of LOSA findings, typically upon request Organizational jolt with one ceremonial presentation of LOSA findings
Pricing Model Annual subscription One-time transaction

LOSA Operating Characteristics

01/14/2021 | Comment

What makes LOSA different from other observational methods?

Ten operating characteristics have come to define the LOSA process from other aviation observations programs — developed over many years of collaboration and lessons learned. As the original developers of LOSA, The LOSA Collaborative requires all ten operating characteristics for a program to carry the name “LOSA”.

Frontline evaluations, such as proficiency checks, are not part of LOSA due to the high potential for “angel performance” exhibited by those under observation.  LOSA is about capturing as close to natural performance as possible.  While evaluations and training events can highlight many practical issues, they are not the best sensor for performance when no one is watching.  Peer-to-peer observations are one step closer to allowing frontline workers to perform freely without concern.  

Trust in the LOSA process is mainly dependent on keeping observations free from jeopardy.  LOSA does not record names, dates, or any other potentially identifying information that could result in disciplinary action.

Another element of building trust in LOSA is providing frontline workers with the right to refuse an observation.  Experience has shown that this one action drastically changes the observation environment from suspicion to trust.  Operators will benefit from seeing how frontline workers manage pressures and trade-offs that occur during everyday operations.

Observers are the lifeblood of LOSA.  Observers must be trusted and appropriately trained to be as unobtrusive as possible while collecting quality data.  The LOSA Collaborative has many years of experience in selecting and training LOSA observers. Many observers report that this experience is one of the most valuable and professionally rewarding in their careers.

The LOSA Collaborative formalizes every LOSA with a signed agreement between management and frontline workers that observations will be kept confidential and anonymous.  Often in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this agreement provides a critical safeguard needed to build trust in the LOSA process and create a non-threatening observation environment.

TEM data capture is the essence of LOSA.  However, this does not mean ignoring other sources of data.  Common elements added to LOSA data collection can include fatigue competency, CRM, or target area measures that can complement an operator’s understanding of TEM performance.  

To ensure confidentiality, LOSA must have a trusted data collection site to eliminate the potential for misuse.  The more comfortable frontline workers feel about data security, the more likely LOSA observers will capture natural performance.

LOSA success requires strict data validation procedures to generate credible findings that operators can quickly act on with confidence.  LOSA data validation’s primary component is called the “Data Verification Roundtable,” where operator subject matter experts meet, review, and validate all threats, errors, and undesired states captured by their LOSA observers.  

LOSA is much more than a data collection program.  Its primary objective is to generate TEM performance targets that operators can rally around in creating an action plan to improve safety and efficiency.  These targets are known as Targets for Enhancement, all of which are empirically driven by LOSA findings. 

Operators implementing LOSA must provide frontline workers with insights gained and, more importantly, how management intends to use these insights for improvements.  It is crucial to close the loop and enhance an operator’s ability to capture even higher quality observations in the future LOSA observations.   

LOSA Benefits

01/14/2021 | Comment

LOSA is a safety program that can provide operators with several direct and indirect benefits. Some of the reported benefits based on our clients’ feedback include:

Monitor Everyday Operations

Operators have successfully integrated LOSA in their SMS Safety Promotion and Assurance programs by showing an organizational curiosity in searching for safety and efficiency issues without expecting them.

Gain Convergence with Other Safety Data Sources

By complementing other data sources with LOSA, operators can get closer to understanding why things occur the way they do during frontline operations.

Enhance Safety Mindfulness

Exceed minimum regulatory expectations and implement LOSA as a symbol of advanced safety assurance.

Compare Performance with Benchmarking

By comparing performance with The LOSA Collaborative’s LOSA Registry, an operator can better understand their systemic performance strengths or weaknesses with confidence.

Gather Evidence for Training

Utilize LOSA findings to develop evidence-based training programs.

Measure Procedural Drift

Identify discrepancies between standard operating procedures versus its actual practice.

Better Understand an Operation’s Threat Environment

Identify type of threats encountered and managed by frontline workers during everyday operations outside of a training environment.

Gather Insights on Resilience

LOSA serves as an observational measure for how the system and frontline workers exhibit resilience inside and outside the context of TEM performance, focusing on successful practices and techniques not prescribed by standard operating procedures.

Manage Safety Data Burnout

LOSA can offer a fresh perspective over existing safety programs and stimulate new approaches to safety performance improvements.

Get Frontline Worker Feedback

Uncover perceived challenges that frontline workers face with anonymity, confidentiality, and without judgment.

Obtain a Return on Investment

Operators implementing LOSA with The LOSA Collaborative have received insurance premium discounts, industry audit credits, lump-sum insurance bursaries, and regulatory oversight reductions.

LOSA Description

01/13/2021 | Comment

Aviation is data-rich, and sometimes it is hard to separate noise from meaningful signals that can promote positive change. LOSA provides resonant signaling by going to the sharp end and conducting observations in everyday operations. With this approach, LOSA provides operators with unrealized insights into systemic and frontline performance’s strengths and weaknesses.

 
LOSA (Line Operations Safety Audit) is a peer-to-peer observational methodology based on the capture of qualitative and quantitative TEM performance data of frontline personnel in their natural work conditions.