Cargo Carriers, South Africa’s premium transportation, logistics and supply chain service provider, ensures the health and safety of its employees and customers is nurtured and well managed. It forms part of the Accountability value so passionately enshrined by founder Des Bolton way back in 1956. This still holds true today, 60 years later, where health and safety awareness is highly visible in the company offices, boardrooms and branches. The logistics provider is constantly innovating its culture of learning new ways of doing business, responding to improved methodologies for health and safety; and in so doing, propelling the transportation provider forward.
Cargo Carriers enjoys the acknowledgement of several industry regulatory accreditation bodies, including DEKRA (an international body overseeing safety and quality standards for companies dealing with technology, the environment and mobility). Cargo Carriers is a signatory to the Responsible Care programme of CAIA (Chemical Allied Industry Association), which promotes the safe handling and transportation of hazardous substances. The Sasolburg, Secunda and Cape Town branches have been rated as ‘preferred haulier’ in terms of the CAIA criteria. The Sasolburg branch continually achieves a score of over 95%.
Regular external and internal audits are conducted to ensure that high standards are maintained. Internal OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series) compliance checks are also conducted bi-annually to confirm the logistics provider implements its own internal policies and procedures in its branches. External 0HSAS 18001 accreditation is carried out annually and SQAS (Safety Quality Assessment System) assessment is carried out every two years. Legal compliance experts also conduct audits to ensure the company is compliant. Information gained assists the company in research and development of new and improved methodologies to ensure the haulier is constantly top of its game and providing the best for its employees and customers. Ongoing ‘Road Safety Management System Compliance’ audits are conducted by customers on a regular basis; affirming consistent high scores that keep the company a step ahead of the industry.
Skills development has long been part of the company’s driving force. Employee training is vital to the success of the business, ensuring essential up-to-date information and learnings are shared with drivers on an on-going basis; and thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement and a quest to learn more. Drivers undergo annual health checks to ensure they are fit to drive and the customers’ needs are met in a safe manner. Behind the scenes, driving these initiatives is Group SHEQ Manager, Mercia Maletswa, a Health & Safety professional with a Master’s of Management degree, specialising in Safety, Health & Environment. For Ms Maletswa her job is to ensure that the requirements of the customer are continuously met and exceeded. “We are very proud of our commitment to health and safety; it is part of the DNA of our culture. We do our utmost to ensure the risks to our employees and the business is minimized. Strict processes are in place to ensure the safety and security of our people – compliance is “non-negotiable.”
Cargo Carriers walks the talk on the topic of health and safety. Regular communication, known as “Toolbox Talk” is shared with employees on a weekly basis. All learnings, improvements, successes and challenges are documented in this internally driven educational programme. It forms part of fostering a learning culture. Being in a practical business that poses obvious dangers, daily briefings are held at branches around the country where information regarding safety is discussed amongst drivers before setting out on their routes, ensuring safety is constantly top of mind. Branches are responsible for training of their employees and ensuring they are in a fit state of health; and all safety compliance standards are met, maintained and surpassed.
Murray Bolton, CEO of Cargo Carriers believes in finding safe solutions for every customer’s need. The Cargo Way espouses strong values and a high work ethic. “Health and Safety are intrinsic to the Cargo Carriers culture. We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for our most important asset, our employees; aligning to our value of Accountability concludes Bolton.
Ensuring their vehicles are kitted with the latest upgraded technological advancements in transportation technology is of paramount importance to Cargo Carriers.
All individuals going through training are fully educated on Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ), acquiring the best knowledge transfer possible.
Group SHEQ Manager Mercia Maletswa is passionate about health and safety.
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