Effective channels of communication are well established to ensure the optimum distribution and availability of safety information, increased awareness and for the purposes of developing a common understanding of safety and the nature of hazards. These channels include:
- Induction videos, safety manuals and safe operating procedures booklets translated and simplified into local languages.
- Competency training for all employees in safety-critical positions before being exposed to operational environment.
- On-going awareness training, safety tool-box talks (shift indabas) to discuss any safety- related issues at shift commencement.
- Newsletters and magazines wherein safety has a permanent slot.
- Digital media, LCD screens Posters / Internal alerts /Intranet.
- Robust poster programme disseminated to all employees with weekly/monthly messaging.
- Safety symposiums and committees to allow employees an opportunity discuss safety objectives, targets and concerns.
- Safety is an agenda item at all established governance structures (EXCO, OPCO, RiskCo, National Safety Forum and Sustainability committees)
Our Efforts To Reduce Safety Incidents
- We have implemented risk-based safety management systems (OHSAS 18000 certification and NOSA) to eliminate all loss-producing incidents.
- All terminals are SANS 3000 – Railway Safety, ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified to provide high quality assurance and compliance to environmental legislation.
- We have integrated and embedded Railway Safety Management Systems into existing processes.
- Hazard identification and risk assessments are conducted to determine the level of controls required.
- We have developed standards, policies, procedures and guidelines for the implementation of Safety management systems.
- We have established mechanisms to effectively monitor compliance to legislation, policy and best practice through scheduled compliance audits.
- We have introduced the most effective methods and mechanisms of communicating safety strategies.
- Safety competency training is in place and on-going awareness for all employees , contractors and visitors.
- We have implemented lead indicators to measure the effectiveness of proactive safety measures such as 5’S of safety which include the following:
Sleepiness - near-misses due to fatigue
Supervision – Job safety analysis, observations and Safe Operating Procedures
Substance Abuse - Substance abuse and drugs testing
Speed monitoring - Vehicle monitoring devices
Signage - digital communications, employee and equipment visibility