The Safety Management System(SMS) is a Canadian regulation that took effect on March 31, 2001 for all federally-regulated railways to ensure that safety is integrated into all railroad activities. The SMS includes elements such as safety goals and performance targets, risk assessments, responsibilities and authorities, rules and procedures and monitoring and evaluation processes.

CN's Safety Management System (SMS) is the overall framework for incorporating safety into all daily operations. It is a proactive, comprehensive program designed to minimize risk and continually reduce injuries and accidents. Key groups at CN, such as Mechanical, Engineering and Transportation, review the program annually and plan additional improvements in safety.

To incorporate safety into daily operations, the SMS implements coordinated initiatives focused on three key areas:

• People
• Process
• Technology and Investments