[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][ld_fancy_heading tag=”h2″]RM3 MADE EASY[/ld_fancy_heading][vc_column_text]The Railway Safety Regulator commenced with the introduction of the Risk Maturity Model (RM3) during 2019, to contribute to improved safe railway operations.
What is RM3?
RM3 is an audit report model designed to assess an organisations maturity level towards the management of safety risks and the implementation of the applicable Safety Management System.
It helps to identify the areas where risks are maturely managed, and areas that require improvement. It further provides a benchmark for a year on year comparison.
It identifies the steps to evaluate an operator’s progress through the five levels of maturity, which are: ad‐hoc, managed, standardised, predictable and excellence.
It provides criteria for measuring management capability against five maturity levels across 26 criteria.
It aims to promote and encourage excellence in railway safety management.
It is an evidence-based approach.
Why is the RSR considering the introduction of RM3?
To align South African railway operations with global railway practices.
To manage the current industry challenges that are contributing to recurring occurrences.
To facilitate the regulatory transition from a compliance monitoring approach to a more risk-based approach.
To test the model within the South African industry to identify areas of improvement towards excellence.
To lead the selection of the model for the South African railway industry.
The anticipated benefits of using the model are as follows:
A consistent and transparent approach to inspection;
Operators are encouraged to work towards excellence, rather than stopping at legal compliance;
It enables comparing of maturity over time, by operators, or by topic areas;
Operators can target specific areas for improvement; and
It will assist the industry in reducing railway occurrences.
Where to from here?
The RSR conducted a benchmark study during October 2019.
It then commenced with the testing of the model during November and December 2019; with a focus on TFR’s three regions, including Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.
The report for the three TFR regions will be presented to TFR in 2020.
After which the inputs will be incorporated in the model, and further audits for PRASA and Bombela will continue during 2020/2021.
Illustration by ORR
The new approach to take note of in the RM3 model:
The RSR believes the introduction of RM3 audit approach will yield more value and effectiveness in the audits and inspections conducted by the RSR.
We appeal to the railway industry to cooperate with the RSR during the testing phase of this model for the industry to ensure maximum value from this model.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]
