Vias rollover simulator visits PSA and MPET terminals

27 June 2023 - Between 19 and 22 June 2023, the traffic safety institute Vias' rollover simulator visited the MPET (MSC PSA European Terminal) and PSA terminals in the port of Antwerp. The action with the rollover simulator is intended to clearly underline the importance of seat belt wearing and is one of the seven themes of the larger safety campaign 'TeGoei' (Do it Right). "With 'TeGoei', we as an organisation, with the support of the HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment) department, want to raise employees' safety awareness," points out Yves Stevens, head of the HSSE department at Antwerp Terminal Services (ATS). 

Vias' tumble car simulates an accident and gives a realistic picture of what it would feel like if you lost control of your car and went overhead. Most importantly, the car demonstrates how seat belts protect the driver (and other occupants) from the impact of an accident. Among other things, wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of survival, reduces the risk of injury and decreased the likelihood of being ejected from the vehicle. The goal of the rollover simulator at MPET and PSA's terminals was to reach about 500 crane operators, drivers, cell bosses and other employees and thereby raise awareness about the importance of wearing seatbelts while driving their own vehicle as well as in the vehicles on quayside. 

Head of the HSSE department at ATS Yves Stevens: "Safety is not only important at work but also in the private sphere. Hence, one often hears the term 'Safety 24/7': safety must always be a priority and we must pay attention to it constantly, 24/7. We can achieve this at our terminals by implementing safety procedures and protocols, training employees and creating a culture in which safety is an integral part of daily activities. The aim is to prevent accidents and injuries and create a safe environment for everyone. Working safely requires continuous attention, improvement and awareness."

No one shot

This is not a 'One shot' event for PSA, MPET and ATS as they push for more safety in and around the terminals every day. Proof of this is the wider 'Tegoei' campaign with its mascot " Tim TeGoei" (Slogan: Do it "Tegoei" (Right) and we'll see each other tomorrow!) of which the action with the tumble car is one part.

"TeGoei is a Change Management process to move towards 'unconscious safe behaviour ' among our employees," Stevens said. "The campaign is built around seven themes: courtesy, seat belt usage, stability, manholes, using mobile devices while working, working/driving under the crane and blind spot/short side driving. Every trimester, we bring a new theme to the fore."

Motor group and working group 

A Motor Group of senior management members from the three Business Units helps steer the priorities, budget and content together, with HSSE and with the cooperation of the port’s social support organisation CEPA. There is also a working group that meets weekly and develops proposals around the content and organises the events.  The Motor Group and the working group meet monthly to set the lines of action. For each theme, the working group draws up a behavioural triangle describing desired behaviour, behaviour to be corrected, undesired behaviour and behaviour that is not tolerated at all.