Holistic Safety Management (HSM) closes a critical gap that has long been neglected: foresight. While disasters are often labeled as “unforeseeable,” most could have been anticipated and prevented. HSM turns this foresight into a structured process – making safety measurable, manageable, and politically accountable.
Instead of looking at risks in isolation, HSM provides a comprehensive framework that integrates all relevant hazards and threats (without direct military aggressions). This holistic approach overcomes fragmentation, connects stakeholders, and enables solutions that are realistic, tailored, and ready to implement.
The process follows a clear sequence:
Shared foundation – a common hazard/threat catalogue as the starting point
Holistic assessment – analyzing hazards, interdependencies, and interactions
Concrete solutions – from proven best practices to new safety action plans
Residual risk review – defining what remains and whether it can be managed by public safety services
Evaluation – continuous monitoring and adaptation to new challenges
HSM is more than a method – it is a culture of awareness, responsibility, and collaboration. It ensures that safety is not an empty promise, but a living commitment to people and communities.
In the end it will be clear
Either governments and administrations implement effective measures, or
They transparently accept responsibility for the remaining risks and their consequences.
Contact
michael.unterhalt@holisticsafety.org
+49 151 10791966
HSM aspires to transform safety from fragmented reactions into holistic foresight.
Its ambition is to unite stakeholders, align resources, and establish a living culture of prevention and resilience.The innovation of HSM lies in transforming safety from fragmented, isolated risk management into a holistic, foresight-driven process.
By combining a hazard catalogue, cross-sector analysis, and stakeholder alignment within one transparent framework, HSM creates more than methods – it fosters a culture of continuous learning, prevention, and accountability.HSM provides clear operational capacities to move from analysis to action.
A shared hazard catalogue builds a common foundation.
Expert groups develop concrete safety action plans.
Proven prevention measures can be implemented immediately.
Residual risk reviews define what must remain manageable by public safety services.
Continuous evaluation ensures effectiveness and adaptation.
Together, these capacities enable administrations and communities to turn foresight into practical, accountable safety.
HSM is initiated and led by Michael Unterhalt, a fire protection engineer and safety consultant with more than 20 years of experience in fire & rescue, ambulance services, and civil protection.
While the core development is driven by one person, HSM is supported by a growing international network of experts and practitioners. This collaborative network can be involved whenever specialized knowledge is needed, ensuring depth, innovation, and practical relevance.
HSM is initiated and led by Michael Unterhalt, a fire protection engineer and safety consultant with more than 20 years of experience in fire & rescue, ambulance services, and civil protection.
While the core development is driven by one person, HSM is supported by a growing international network of experts and practitioners. This collaborative network can be involved whenever specialized knowledge is needed, ensuring depth, innovation, and practical relevance.