The NHVR has taken the opportunity to use National Safe Work Month to remind the heavy vehicle industry that safety is everyone’s business.
The NHVR said there are more than 556,000 workers employed in Australia’s road transport industry, which represents 5.3 per cent of the nation’s total employment and they contribute towards heavy vehicle safety on and off the road.
NHVR acting CEO, Ray Hassall said that National Safe Work Month is an opportunity to reflect on how work practices can impact individuals, organisations and the wider community.
“The majority of transport and logistics companies are safety-focused, using tools such as training programs, hazard and risk reporting, and policies and procedures to ensure a safe and healthy work environment,” Hassall said.
“The NHVR is here to help industry with education and resources to meet their specific heavy vehicle safety requirements and comply with the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
“Having effective policies or procedures such as a Safety Management System for example helps companies manage their Workplace Health and Safety risks to prioritise everyone’s safety and wellbeing,” he said.
The NHVR said it may issue a company with an Improvement Notice to correct flaws identified in its policies and procedures, following a safety breach.
The Regulator said that In 2023, a transport company was issued with an Improvement Notice to ensure adequate fatigue management, scheduling and rostering, drug and alcohol policy, and safe driving plans were included in its policies and procedures documents after it was regarded as at fault for a collision between two heavy vehicles on the Sturt Highway in New South Wales.
Ray Hassall said companies and individuals cannot make unreasonable requests, directions or contractual terms that could expose heavy vehicle drivers to the risks of speed and fatigue, which poses a major safety risk.
“The pressure placed on drivers can cause unsafe risk-taking behaviours, which may result in deteriorating driver health, near misses, vehicle collisions and road fatalities.
“No one should feel unsafe at work and the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line is available to report safety issues such as driver fatigue, business practices and mechanical safety,” Hassall said.
The NHVR said that its Heavy Vehicle confidential reporting line is available Monday to Friday from 7am to 4.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time by calling 1800 931 785 .
For more information on Safety Management Systems, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/sms
