ENVIRONMENT
The nature of the Reunert businesses is such that they
are unlikely to pose any significant environmental risk.
A number of interventions, aimed at improving working
conditions, have been implemented.
CBI-electric: african cables complies with the ISO 14001
environment management system. As part of an annual environmental
assessment, objectives and targets are set and monitored
regularly. The company has a system in place to reduce,
recover and recycle waste material. In 2008, a full report
on environmental risks and physical stresses was commissioned
at the company’s Vereeniging factory. The potential risk
areas which were assessed included exposure to lead,
the presence of hazardous chemical substances, gas and
vapours, possible physical stress caused by illumination,
noise and heat and the presence of dust and stack emissions.
The report showed that the exposure to these potential
hazards was generally within acceptable levels. To the
extent that certain areas or activities did not comply
with acceptable standards, steps have been taken to eliminate
all potential hazards.
In 2008, CBI-electric: african cables engaged consultants
to do an ergonomics assessment and a survey evaluation
of equipment design and the layout of the workplace,
with the view to maximising productivity, reducing potential
injury and eliminating potential operator fatigue and
discomfort. The assessment included the evaluation of
spaces which may be confined, conditions that may be
too hot or humid, the handling of heavy materials and
spinal stress, which could be caused by lack of back
support or vibrations in the workplace. The report has
resulted in the implementation of a large number of interventions,
which are all aimed at improving working conditions.
CBI-electric: low voltage has a comprehensive environmental
policy in place to regulate the receiving of hazardous
material, the storage and use of hazardous material,
the use of personal protective equipment and the disposal
and control of hazardous material. In addition, a full-time
occupational health sister is on site, working in conjunction
with appointed first-aiders. Emergency showers and material
safety data sheets are available in the clinic and in
all departments handling hazardous material.
Biological monitoring of employees who come into contact
with hazardous material is conducted on a regular basis.
An industrial effluent analysis report is conducted by
the Ekurhuleni Municipality on a monthly basis and any
deficiencies which may be reported by the municipality,
are corrected immediately.
Telecom Cables has an integrated risk system that encompasses
quality, environment, health and safety and all other
risk factors. The company is ISO 9000:2000 listed and
has embarked on a process to list as an ISO 14001 company.
All environmental factors are reviewed by the company
on a regular basis.
Telecom Cables conducts a comprehensive safety, health
and environmental review every second year. The last
survey extended to potential noise pollution, illumination,
ventilation and heat stress, dust and volatile organic
compounds. In addition, surveys were conducted on the
potential presence of copper dust and thinners in certain
areas. The result of the survey showed that the exposure
to hazardous material was within the relevant occupational
limits and, where minor problems were identified, these
have been attended to.
During the year Reutech Communications purchased a unit
for the extraction of colophony fumes generated by soldering
of PC boards in production.
Reutech Fuchs Electronics has a comprehensive system in
place to deal with potential environmental hazards:
- All chemical wastes and hazardous materials or metals
are disposed through registered disposal companies
who are required to issue a post-disposal certificate;
- Fluorescent tubes are disposed of in a safe manner;
- The pH level of the effluent plant is monitored
three times daily. In addition, daily monitoring and
monthly inspections are undertaken by the city council;
- Non-biodegradable materials are disposed of by registered
disposal companies, which are required to issue certificates
of proper disposal.
The batteries which are distributed through Pansolutions
comply with global IEC standards and are therefore
mercury- and lead-free. All air-conditioners distributed
by this company are chlorine-free and use the latest
HFC refrigerant, to avoid depletion of the ozone layer.
The latest air-conditioners are equipped with energy-saving
performance features, which reduce electricity consumption
and CO2 emissions.
Office automation products distributed by Pansolutions
have earned an energy efficiency star rating. The power
usage of broadcast systems has been reduced and has decreased
the cost of broadcasting.
Nashua Mobile launched a programme in 2007 to donate
R10 to the environmental Foods and Trees for Africa
programme, with every subscriber requesting electronic
billing rather than receiving paper-based monthly statements.
In the current financial year the company’s total contribution
was R286 000 which brings the total contribution since
inception to R458 000. A further initiative is currently
under way which will focus particularly on the areas
around the stadiums that will be used for the FIFA 2010
football world cup.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All group companies comply with relevant legal requirements
in respect of health and safety matters.
The following progress was made in 2009:
- Telecom Cables has implemented ISO 14001 which includes
health, safety and the environment as well as security
and quality. Safety matters are addressed through a
well established safety system and an independent audit
that took place in 2009 did not identify any fire,
safety or security risks.
- CBI-electric: low voltage has a five-star rating
for health and safety standards. An independent safety
grading audit is conducted annually and occupational
health and safety training takes place on an ongoing
basis, including training of employee elected representatives.
- CBI-electric: african cables maintained an OHSAS
18001 certification. The company was awarded a four-star
grading in an IRCA Safety and Health Audit.
- RRS conducts a series of risk-controlled audits
annually. Electrical infrared inspections are conducted
on all electrical installations. In addition, a physical
audit is performed annually by an independent expert.
The company has maintained a five-star rating for several
years.
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