Abstract
M.B.A
Although current legislation does not require companies to have Environmental
Management Systems (EMS), the time is approaching where certified companies
world-wide may well be offered preferential treatment by their governments
(Diller, 1997: 36 - 39). South African companies are also realising that the
environment is important (AFT Newsletter, 1997: 1). It seems likely, therefore,
that many foreign trading partners will require international registration from their
import manufacturers (Kumar & Kumar, 1997).
Impala Platinum Limited produces various metals at its Base Metal Refinery
(BMR) in Springs, Gauteng Province, South Africa. In its pursuit ofthe extraction
and refining of these metals, the company makes use of staff drawn mostly from
the adjacent residential area of Springs. This area also borders on a World
Wildlife-proclaimed wetland, known as the Blesbokspruit.
The company has thought it prudent to research the need to implement an EMS at
the Springs site (Reynolds, 1998; Skelton, 1998b), for the following reasons:
• to ensure competitive advantage by pre-empting customer requirements
with regard to responsible environmental management;
• to provide a safe, healthy working environment for the company's staff;
• to provide a safe, healthy environment for residents living in the close
proximity of the site;..