The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) recently stated in their March 2017 ‘Chain of Responsibility- Your role’ booklet the following:
“Our road laws generally address the actions of drivers and operators, but breaches of these laws are often caused by other parties in the transport supply chain.
Under chain of responsibility (CoR), all parties who have control or influence over the transport task are deemed responsible for complying with and for breaches of these laws. All parties must take reasonable steps to prevent breaches of mass, dimension, loading, speed and fatigue laws. In 2018 this will expand to include vehicle standards and maintenance.
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), multiple parties may be responsible for offences committed in heavy vehicle operations. A person may be a party in the supply chain in more than one way and legal liability can apply to their actions, inactions and demands.”
So what are the ‘reasonable steps’ I should be taking?
Again the NHVR states:
Here are some reasonable steps that you can take.
Build systems that identify, assess and control risks
- Assess and identify clearly the responsibilities of all parties in your supply chain under CoR
- Develop systems to manage fatigue
- Maintain your heavy vehicle
- Check your vehicle dimensions and weights
- Include compliance and assurance conditions in commercial arrangements
- Seek legal advice on CoR obligations
- Work with your supply chain partners to eliminate risks
- Question requests that may cause breaches of the law.
Adopt better freight moving practices
- Establish and adhere to safe policies, procedures and workplace practices
- Ensure proper packing, placing and securing of loads
- Adopt safer loading and unloading procedures
- Ensure vehicles and drivers do not speed
- Train staff and partners on their CoR obligations.
How Australian Onsite Training can help you meet your CoR obligations.
Australian Onsite Training offers the Nationally Accredited Unit of Competency: TLIF0001 Apply chain of responsibility legislation, regulations and workplace procedures. Our aim is to provide up-to-date information on the duties and responsibilities of each party in the supply chain. This year I have delivered the course to mining, construction, project management, manufacturing, warehousing and transport companies. The training is designed to inform and assist. In each session I have enjoyed discussing with people how the Heavy Vehicle National Law applies to their specific role / job.
Please email me at peter@aotraining.com.au if you have any questions / enquiries or visit www.australianonsitetraining.com.au
Australian Onsite Training 