This National Safe Work Month, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding the heavy vehicle industry that safety is everyone's business.
There are over 556,000 workers employed in Australia's road transport industry - representing 5.3 per cent of the nation's total employment - that contribute towards heavy vehicle safety on and off the road.
NHVR Acting Chief Executive Officer Ray Hassall said 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," Mr 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."
The NHVR may issue a company with an Improvement Notice to correct flaws identified in its policies and procedures, following a safety breach.
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.
Mr 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."
The NHVR's Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line 1800 931 785 is available Monday to Friday from 7am to 4.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.
