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Road Traffic Safety (RTS) Management Systems – ISO Standard 39001

Author(s): Farhad Faghihi, Gord Lovegrove, Kwei Quaye, Paul Boase, Denise Connerty, Jill Collins

Slidedeck Presentation:

5A - Boase

Abstract:

Background/Context: The social and economic burden of road traffic crashes is a global problem that affects everyone worldwide. While the challenge is different in low, middle and high-income countries it remains a significant issue in all regions. Annually world-wide, fatalities are estimated to be 1.3 million with a further 50 million injured; economic impacts average nearly 5% of Gross Domestic Product per country. In response to this global epidemic, the United Nations and World Health Organization have developed the Decade of Action for Road Safety which has 5 pillars, one of which is Road Traffic Safety (RTS) management. The goal is to have countries develop leadership and an RTS management framework around RTS, and to encourage all citizens and organizations to become involved in road safety. The development of the ISO 39001 standard on RTS management provides such a framework for road safety stakeholders and transportation agencies and business to become more effectively involved to address these enormous social and economic burdens caused by the global road safety problem.

Aims/Objectives: Managing RTS should be seen as an important element of any workplace transportation management system. The goal is to generate a number of benefits, such as assisting in achievement of safety targets and goals at the organizational, local, regional and national levels. At the organizational level the ISO 39001 standard provides a formal structure to operational aspects of RTS management plans in accord with internationally recognized trading and manufacturing standards. Moreover, using it to improve organizational RTS programs can provide guidance and the basis for training for new staff. Finally, incorporating this ISO 39001 RTS management program may constitute due diligence and partial protection against litigation resulting from collisions.

Methods/Target Group: This standard is targeting road safety oversight agencies as well as organizations where transportation is an important element of their business. This includes, but is not limited to, Worker Compensation Boards, road authorities, large and small employers, trucking operations, fleet managers and operations where private vehicles are used in the business operations and as such, private citizens are also targeted.

Results/Activities: The ISO standard provides an evidence-based framework to achieve desired safety results by promoting a safe systems approach to RTS. The goal is to achieve step-wise measurable results in the reduction of deaths and injuries in all organizations involved in transportation, regardless of the size of the organization.

Discussion/Deliverables: o Promotes the adoption of both a strategic and process approach in developing, implementing and improving an RTS management system;
o Provides a clear understanding of the principles in an RTS management program;
o ISO 39001 RTS standard will assist to determine an organization's capacity to implement effective actions to achieve stated goals regarding transportation safety;