Latest news with #DAMPs
The Herald
15 hours ago
- Politics
- The Herald
Two youths arrested over attempted robbery of MPs in Cape Town
DA parliamentary chief whip George Michalakis named the MPs as Ian Cameron, Lisa Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell. They were returning from an oversight visit to the police training college in Philippi when they were accosted. "Gotsell was hospitalised, but is not in a critical condition, and Cameron sustained minor injuries. Cameron was able to act quickly and in self-defence to prevent further injury to any of them. All three MPs are safe." Cameron posted on X: "Nick is receiving treatment, Lisa has a minor head injury, and I sustained some injuries, including a few stitches and dental damage, but nothing life-threatening. This was a serious and deliberate attack, and it underscores the risks faced during oversight work. But incidents like this will not deter us. "We remain determined to carry out our responsibility to ensure accountability and safety. We also appreciate the support of colleagues and community members who have stood with us. Tonight I was able to sit down with my family for dinner, and for that we are eternally grateful. Dankie Jesus." Michalakis reiterated the DA's call for policing in areas such as Philippi to receive priority attention in allocation of resources from national government. "The incident is a portrayal of the out-of-control crime South Africans face on a daily basis and no-one is exempt from it." "We trust law enforcement will bring the perpetrators to account, but we again call on the minister of police to urgently ensure sufficient resources are allocated to areas riddled with criminal activities to prevent such incidents and future loss of life," said Michalakis. TimesLIVE
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Aviation Drug & Alcohol Rules In Effect
AUCKLAND – 18 August 2025 – With the Civil Aviation Act 2023 now in force, aviation operators across New Zealand are beginning the transition to formal Drug & Alcohol Management Plans (DAMPs), a new legal requirement that will form a core part of safety and risk management frameworks across the sector. The first submission deadline is just a month away, 30 September 2025 for Group 1 operators, followed by 30 June 2026 for Group 2. The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is encouraging operators to start planning now, saying that building a fit-for-purpose plan takes time, clarity, and the right expertise. The company offers end-to-end DAMP compliance services including policy review, certified training, random testing and secure reporting as required in the DAMP. 'Developing a compliant and operationally sound DAMP can't be rushed,' says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA. 'For high-risk sectors like aviation, there are multiple moving parts from policies and testing protocols to staff training and reporting systems. Some operators can underestimate how much is involved.' Under the Civil Aviation Act 2023, Drug & Alcohol Management Plans (DAMPs) are now a legal requirement under Civil Aviation Rule Part 99 and must be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These plans apply aviation businesses broadly: commercial airlines and maintenance organisations, adventure operators, agriculture aircraft operations, air traffic services, and more. Each DAMP must set out how the operator will carry out random drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive workers, how non-negative results, refusal to test or unable to provide a sample will be handled, and what ongoing education and training will be provided for staff and supervisors. Plans must also clearly define roles and responsibilities across sites and teams, and include a system for regular reporting to the CAA. Full compliance is required in April 2027. 'We're seeing a growing number of operators asking, 'What does good look like?'. That's the right question. Smart operators know that shortcuts, low-cost testing providers, and DIY kits won't meet CAA's expectations, and worse, they compromise safety,' adds Dobson. 'In our experience, the operators who act early are the ones whose operations continue smoothly. As the submission deadline approaches, providers get overwhelmed, delays happen, and work stoppages become likely,' says Dobson. 'It also allows operators time to find the right fit – a compliance partner who truly understands the aviation sector.' TDDA is New Zealand's largest IANZ accredited, workplace drug and alcohol testing provider. It is currently offering free policy reviews to all DAMP- required operators as part of its commitment to industry safety. TDDA delivers end-to-end support for aviation operators implementing DAMPs, policy design, employee training, compliant testing and CAA-aligned reporting. TDDA's services meet the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule Part 99, covering random testing, response protocols, secure reporting and supervisor education. TDDA's reporting platform, IMPERANS, provides operators with real-time oversight, site-level visibility, and tools to manage DAMP quarterly reporting with ease. Supported by a fleet of mobile clinics that meet businesses where they operate, TDDA services both single-site and multi-site operations, including remote and mobile environments. As a specialist in DAMP compliance, TDDA ensures programs are practical, enforceable, and future-ready through to 2027 and beyond.
