What is a Safety Management System (SMS) in relation to payload distribution?

A Safety Management System (SMS) in the context of payload distribution represents a proactive approach to ensuring safety and mitigating risks during operations. This system is designed to identify potential hazards before they lead to incidents and to implement strategies aimed at minimizing these risks. The framework of an SMS involves continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement processes that help organizations establish safety goals, promote safety awareness, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Proactivity in safety management means that instead of merely responding to accidents after they happen, an SMS encourages organizations to prevent them through effective risk assessment, analysis, and management practices. This proactive stance is crucial in the aviation industry, where the implications of mishandling payload distribution could be severe, affecting both safety and operational efficiency. Therefore, option C accurately reflects the essence and function of a Safety Management System in payload distribution.