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10.
January
2017.
Improve ground equipment processes with a two day HealthCheck
Dear Editor,
Please find below the latest press release from RTITB.
January 2017
Improve ground equipment processes with a two day HealthCheck
The most recent report* of air transport sector accident statistics by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) shows that in an average year there are more than 1200 injuries to employees in Britain. RTITB is encouraging airport operators and ramp operations companies to reduce these preventable airside incidents by dedicating just two days to making their ground support equipment (GSE) operations safer and more efficient.
“The first priority for any business should always be safety for employees, and legally, ground support equipment operators need to be adequately trained and safe,” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director of RTITB, the preferred workplace transport training regulatory body. “Both damage and injuries in the aviation sector can be caused by ground equipment or manual handling incidents which could be prevented with the right processes and training in place.”
To help reduce risk and increase safety, RTITB has developed a two-day GSE operations HealthCheck. Tailored to the specific challenges of ground support operations, the RTITB HealthCheck provides a holistic evaluation of all GSE operations. This helps to identify the training issues and processes that may be preventing businesses from achieving maximum safety, compliance and efficiency.
To conduct the HealthCheck, an impartial and fully qualified RTITB Lead Auditor with experience of the ramp operations eco-system visits for two days. The specialist auditor identifies potential risks jeopardising safety on site as well as assessing compliance with relevant legislation, regulation and best practice. Areas reviewed include key custody arrangements, management and supervision, ramp equipment driver training, incident and near miss reporting, record keeping and risk assessments.
At the same time, processes and systems are analysed to provide an un-biased evaluation of where operating costs could be minimised. The result is an independent, expert report that provides clear recommendations on where improvements could be made to practices, systems, training and processes.
“Assuming that everything is OK within your ramp environment could prove to be an expensive mistake,” says Laura. “Accidents can result in fines of tens of thousands of pounds for employers, not to mention the human cost, so can you really afford not to dedicate two days to making the operation safer and more efficient?”
“The HealthCheck helps ensure aviation companies can prove they are compliant with the European Airport Safety Agency regulations and guidance in the event of an incident, providing peace of mind and reduced business risk,” Laura continues.
Airport operators and ramp operations companies are encouraged to download a free RTITB self-assessment questionnaire to find out whether the RTITB HealthCheck could help increase safety in their GSE operations: https://www.rtitb.co.uk/groundophealthcheck
For more information on RTITB or the HealthCheck service, visit http://www.rtitb.co.uk/aviation or call Jane Hughes on +44(0)1952 520507.
Ends
442 Words
*http://www.hse.gov.uk/airtransport/sic2007.pdf
** http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/workplace-transport.pdf
NOTES TO EDITORS
RTITB is a specialist in aviation driver and operator training for ground handling/ramp equipment, airfield operations equipment, winter operations equipment and surface transport training.
The RTITB aviation team specialises in supporting airports and ground handling agents to reduce costs and save lives. Our courses change behaviour and make measureable improvements to efficiency, risk and safety.
We train individuals in your team to be high performing instructors and develop training courses specific to your airfield and processes. All of our work ensures you can prove you are legally compliant, giving you peace of mind and reduced business risk.
RTITB training standards are used in the UK, India and the Middle East.
Further information visit: www.rtitb.co.uk/aviation
If you require any further information please contact me
Hannah Patterson
+44 (0) 1903 207408
hannah@molokini.co.uk
MOLOKINI MARKETING LTD