Six more companies RTMS certified

The 59th Road Transport Management System (RTMS) workshop was recently hosted by Coca Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) at its Olifantsfontein manufacturing facility, where approximately 120 delegates were able to engage with one another with a view to improving the industry.

Six companies also received their RTMS certification. These were CCBSA, Air Products South Africa, Babcock Plant Hire, BR Khoza Carriers, Khany Ilanga (Mbombela), and Skhwama Projects and Logistics.

The workshop included presentations by Steve Cornelius (transport specialist, Indwe Risk Services), Paul Nordengen (CSIR), Adrian van Tonder (RTMS NPC), Kathy Bell (transport specialist, Standard Bank) and Oliver Naidoo (JC Auditors).

The RTMS presentations provided delegates with a background to the RTMS and focused on the importance of safety and sustainability in road transport. Several case studies demonstrated the tangible benefits experienced by companies that have implemented RTMS in their operations.

For example, Jonathan Richardson, fleet risk manager at CCBSA, commented on the significant reduction in crashes, overloading and speed violations since the implementation of RTMS. Especially impressive was the 60-percent reduction in accidents that Africa Link has experienced since RTMS implementation.

Indeed, these outcomes are all in line with the primary objectives of the SANS 1395 RTMS standard, which are to:

• Minimise overloading (preservation of the road infrastructure);
• Promote compliance with the regulations;
• Minimise crashes and collisions on the roads;
• Encourage a holistic adoption of progressive road safety principles;
• Improve driver health and wellness, including fatigue management;
• Integrate skills development into transport operations; and
• Enable optimal productivity and efficiency in road transport.

The South African National Accreditation Services (SANAS), represented by accreditation specialist Mookho Morienyane, informed delegates of the essential role that SANAS plays to ensure that credible certifications are issued in compliance with the international ISO 17021 standard, thus engendering confidence and trust in the marketplace.