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FACE THE CHANGE CONFIDENCE • THE ANNUAL LABELMASTER DG SURVEY HAS IDENTIFIED MANY OF THE SAME FAILINGS AS IN THE PAST. BUT THERE ARE WAYS OUT OF IT, IF DG PROS TAKE CONTROL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE IS the cornerstone of safety in the transport, storage and handling of dangerous goods. To achieve the necessary level of compliance, regulations and enforcement activity need to be transparent, balanced and consistent; all those involved in the regulated activities need to be properly trained and competent to do their jobs; and, perhaps most importantly, business owners and managers need to be aware of the hazards their activities present to workers, the public and the wider environment and to be prepared and able to provide the tools needed to ensure that their goods move safely.
HCB MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2021
Unfortunately, as Labelmaster’s annual Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook survey has found over the six years it has been conducted, there is a persistent lack of confidence among a significant slice of dangerous goods professionals that they have the tools, ability and support needed to achieve consistent compliance. The results of a lack of compliance are not just fines and penalties from the enforcement agencies, but also a regular disruption to supply chains as goods are held up or returned, with a consequent impact on customer service and, if such conditions persist, a negative corporate image.
This year’s Labelmaster survey, held again in collaboration with HCB and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) this past March/ April, showed that those trends are still in place. The ‘three tribes’ identified in the 2020 survey – the best, the just good enough and the below-par – are still there too. And, as this year’s survey took place at the end of a year when supply chains were even more stressed than usual, as a result not only of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic but also disruption in ocean freight and the longer-term impact of a shortage of drivers, it is illuminating to see that some of those questioned had managed to sail through it all, benefitting from the latest technology and the backing of their management. HAPPY WITH PERFORMANCE When last year’s survey was carried out, in June 2020, three months into the pandemic, responders reported struggles with: • Receiving goods in a timely manner • A lack of carrier availability • Training and recertifying employees • Keeping up with the regulations.
