The presentation of the TT Innovation in Safety Award earlier in the year gave industry professionals from across the full spectrum of the cargo handling sector an opportunity to add their voices to the call for continuous safety improvements, and to sharing experiences of innovative advancements in the cause.#
Not only were the successful innovators of the award’s short-listed entries on hand to present but representatives from several of the twenty-eight companies that entered were present. A lively discussion forum accompanied the presentation ceremony.
As one of the speakers Maurizio Pilu, Managing Director of the Safetytech Accelerator pointed out, the chief aim of those seeking to advance safety must be to bring the technical solution providers together with maritime and supply chain interests. This forum and accompanying seminar provided a perfect occasion for a mutual understanding by these two groups of the challenges faced.
CEO of ICHCA, and organiser of the Award, Richard Steele set the scene, “The advantages of improved safety are self-evident from the standpoint of the workforce but it’s important to remember that a well-run safety-conscious organisation is an efficient and sustainable organisation. Running an organisation successfully and doing safety well require the same visible felt leadership skills. They are part of the same whole,” he said. “The coming together of a wider audience of like-minded professionals, the sharing of experiences, regarding both risks and successful problem solving, is crucial. At forums such as this you may discover your next leap forward in safety. ”
Jose Andres Gimenez, the Secretary General of the Terminal Industry Committee 4.0 dedicated to the fourth industrial revolution, that of advanced digitalisation, and known as TIC 4.0 reiterated the theme of collaboration and the sharing of experience as a key to successful safety performance. However, he also pointed out that the belief that innovation only delivers ROI in the long-term is a myth. The pace of technological advancement is, he observed, now so rapid as to deliver practical operational improvement in the short term.
Gimenez also agreed with Pilu that although mechanical innovations make up a significant element of these improvements (as evidenced by several entries into the Award), increasingly, it is the application of data sharing and analysis through the use of AI and other tools, that safety techniques are advancing in leaps and bounds. The entries into the Award make it clear that there is space and appetite for diverse approaches to safety innovation in cargo handling and coordination. The continuing aim of the Award is to spotlight safety learning and opportunity across the industry.
Also taking part in the forum, and speaking on behalf of the Award sponsor, TT Club, Neil Dalus commented, “The cargo handling industry, for a long time was seen as rather pedestrian in responding to innovative technology, is now undergoing a culture shift and is at a significant stage of embracing and adoption of many aspects of automation. This of course benefits efficiency, is in step with environmental considerations and also has tremendous advantages from the safety perspective.”
Please note:
The full proceedings of the Award presentation and accompanying inter-active seminar can be seen HERE
An Innovation in Safety Award Digest which features details of all the entries into the Award can be downloaded HERE
In the months between the annual award cycle, entrants are invited to various discussion forums, conferences and exhibition appearances, including the TT/ICHCA Safety Village at TOC Europe in June (details HERE).
About ICHCA International
Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.
Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.
About TT Club
TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1200 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 97% of its Members, with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.