RTMS certification delivers practical outcomes

The ability of the Road Transport Management System (RTMS) certification to deliver practical outcomes for businesses was demonstrated recently at a workshop hosted by Coca-Cola Beverages SA at its plant at Olifantsfontein.

About 120 delegates from the transport industry heard that primary objectives of RTMS standard were to minimise overloading, promote compliance with traffic regulations, reduce road accidents and encourage holistic adoption of progressive road safety principles. It also aims to improve driver health and wellness, integrate skills development into transport operations and enable optimal productivity and efficiency in road transport.

Case studies demonstrated tangible benefits experienced by companies that had implemented the system, including large corporates such as Coca-Cola Beverages SA and Golden Arrow Bus Services, as well as emerging operators such as Africa Link Transport, Khanyi Ilanga and BR Khoza Carriers.

Sunshine Bennet, owner of Africa Link Transport, recounted how he had gone from being homeless to owning a fleet of more than 70 trucks. He discussed how RTMS implementation had enabled his company to better compete with large transport operators.

Jonathan Richardson, fleet risk manager at Coca-Cola Beverages, reported a significant reduction in the number of accidents, overloads and speed violations in the company’s fleet following enactment of RTMS, while a presentation by Gideon Neethling, an engineer at Golden Arrow Bus Services, highlighted the applicability and benefits of RTMS certification to the bus industry.

Mookho Morienyane, a specialist representing the South African National Accreditation Services, spoke about the role the organisation played in engendering confidence and trust by ensuring that certification was issued in compliance with international ISO 17021 standards.

The workshop also included presentations by Steve Cornelius, a transport specialist at Indwe Risk Services, Paul Nordengen, representing the CSIR, Kathy Bell, a transport specialist at Standard Bank and Oliver Naidoo of JC Auditors.

A highlight of the event was a ceremony in which RTMS certificates were presented to representatives of Coca Cola Beverages SA, Air Products SA, BR Khoza Carriers, Skhwama Logistics, Khanyi Ilanga Transport and Babcock Plant Hire.

Published by

SHEQ Management

SHEQ MANAGEMENT is the definitive source for reliable, accurate and pertinent information to guarantee environmental health and safety in the workplace.
Prev Trend-setting Showa all about innovation
Next Gearing up for KITE

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.