‘Safety and security training sadly neglected’

Employers and employees often disregard the importance of safety training when nothing could be more important across the supply chain. Dries Viljoen, divisional chief executive of the Aviation Academy for Southern Africa (AAFSA), says not enough emphasis is placed on safety and security training in South Africa. He believes that training around dangerous goods transported by air should also not just be kept to those regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) and the Civil Aviation Authorities but should include the entire spectrum of the supply chain. “Regulations by Icao and the South African Civil Aviation Authority as far as South Africa is concerned determines who should be trained and at what level, but it is preferable that more people be aware of safety and security regulations. One should never underestimate the importance of training,” says Viljoen. “Often an awareness course will suffice as very few in the supply chain need to be trained at the highest level of expertise. Training is necessary for every individual involved in the preparation or transport of dangerous goods intended for air travel.” This process, says Viljoen, already starts at the packaging stage, an essential component in the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. “The packer, the shipper, the freight forwarder, the ground handler, the flight crew – everyone in the transportation chain should know what dangerous goods they are transporting, how to properly load and handle them and what to do if an incident or accident occurs.” Viljoen says it is important that everyone knows where they fit in the process and what training is needed at their level. “Training staff is possibly one of the best investments a company can make – people create the wealth. An investment in the training of staff will positively impact on a business and on the bottom line eventually. One can never train too much.”