APM Terminals (APMT) has announced that by the end of 2016, all truck drivers entering its facilities must remain within their trucks. This company-wide project is designed to eliminate one of the top risks areas in terminal operations.
Jeff De Best, COO of APMT, said: “Potential injuries related to outside drivers, trucks, yard traffic, miscommunication and human error can be eliminated by keeping drivers inside their trucks at all times when in our terminals, and that’s the procedure we intend to have in effect at all our facilities by the end of 2016.
“We want to be the preferred port operator to truckers worldwide – who know us for safe operations and fast turnarounds. This is the best way we can help their bottom line and keep global trade moving more efficiently.”
To achieve this, every operational process related to truckers across the APMT portfolio will be analysed using process mapping tools, traffic flow analysis, metrics and interviews with truckers.
This project is part of a new company-wide program that aims to eliminate – within the portfolio directly managed by APMT – the five identified primary risk areas associated with 90% of fatal injuries during terminal operations, including transportation, suspended loads and lifting and working at heights.
Kevin Furniss, Vice President of Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Sustainability at APMT, said: “A successful implementation of the standards will require everyone to take on the role of change managers to effectively work together toward one common safety goal.”
The APM Terminals global network handled 38.3 million TEU in 2014.
