If you’ve worked with Amazon before — or you’re hoping to — you already know their expectations for safety are high. As part of their prequalification process through Avetta, Amazon now asks contractors and suppliers to complete something called the Safety Maturity Index (SMI).
At first glance, it might just seem like another form to fill out. But it’s actually much more than that. The SMI is designed to take a closer look at how deeply safety is embedded in your company culture, and how well you’re putting your policies into practice on the ground.
At Cascade QMS, we help contractors prepare for these kinds of requirements every day. Here’s a closer look at what the Safety Maturity Index is, what it asks, and how you can position your company to meet — or exceed — Amazon’s expectations.
What is the Safety Maturity Index?
The Safety Maturity Index is essentially a self-assessment. You’ll see statements about different aspects of your safety program, and you’ll be asked to rate them honestly: does your company do this “always,” “often,” “sometimes,” or “never”?
The idea is simple: Amazon wants to understand not just whether you have written policies on file, but how effectively they’re being implemented day to day. It’s about measuring the maturity of your safety culture — not just your compliance paperwork.
The Areas It Covers In Avetta
The SMI is comprehensive per the requests of large hiring clients such as BGIS and Amazon. It asks about many aspects of safety — some you might expect, and others you might not. Here are some of the key topics it touches on:
- How visible and committed your management is to safety, and whether employees feel empowered to speak up.
- How you investigate incidents, identify root causes, and make changes to prevent them from happening again.
- How thoroughly you train your people, including new hires and subcontractors, and whether you use a variety of learning tools.
- How you document your policies, keep records, and communicate expectations to employees.
- Whether you hold regular toolbox talks, have a clear stop-work authority policy, and set measurable safety goals.
- How proactive you are in updating your programs and keeping up with compliance requirements.
In short, it looks at how well your safety program works in practice — not just on paper.
Why Safety Maturity Index Matters to Amazon
Amazon doesn’t include the SMI just for show. They want partners who take safety as seriously as they do. A strong score shows that your company doesn’t just meet minimum standards — it shows you’re building a culture where employees are trained, hazards are addressed, and risks are reduced.
For you, the contractor, it’s also an opportunity. The SMI forces you to take a hard look at your own practices. It’s a chance to identify what you’re already doing well and where you can improve — which can help you win more contracts in the long run.
How to be a Prepared Amazon Supplier
If you’re not sure how your company stacks up, don’t wait until you’re asked to fill out the SMI to find out. Here are a few steps you can take now:
- Take an honest look at your safety culture. Are managers leading by example? Are employees engaged?
- Review your training programs and materials. Do you have written policies tailored to your work? Are records up-to-date?
- Make sure new employees and subcontractors go through proper orientation, and that you’re using a mix of training methods — in-person, online, videos, and toolbox talks all have their place. (Visit the Cascade QMS YouTube Page for free training videos)
- Update your employee handbook, stop-work authority policy, and goal-setting process if they’re outdated or unclear.
- Keep detailed records of everything — incidents, investigations, goals, training — to show that your program is active and effective.
If you’re unsure where to start, or you just don’t have the time to tackle it all yourself, working with a compliance expert can save you time and frustration.
How Cascade QMS Can Help Obtain Amazon Compliance in Avetta
At Cascade QMS, we’ve helped countless contractors get ready for Avetta, ISNetworld, and other client requirements. We know what platforms like Amazon’s are looking for, and we can help you close the gaps.
We can:
- Review your current programs and recommend improvements.
- Write or update your written policies, handbooks, and stop-work authority.
- Help you organize and maintain your documentation.
- Develop training materials that actually resonate with employees and keep them engaged. Read about Avetta’s Manual Audit here.
Getting your Safety Maturity Index right is about more than just filling out a survey — it’s about showing that your company values safety at every level. And when you do that, you stand out in a competitive market.
If you’re preparing to qualify for Amazon projects — or just want to strengthen your safety culture — reach out to Cascade QMS today. We’ll help you build a safer, stronger business.