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NHVR ON THE ROAD Issue 129
on 2021-12-02 01:19:01
by
Donna
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NHVR
Issue 129 | 30 November 2021Last week, we opened funding applications for the latest round of our Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which will deliver tangible safety outcomes for the Australian heavy vehicle industry and all road users.Over the previous six rounds of the initiative, the Federal Government has provided $28 million across 117 grant projects ranging from mental health and wellbeing initiatives to chain of responsibility education.One project from Round 4 that I was particularly excited to see launch recently was the ARTSA Institute’s Truck Fires Safety Program, which gave industry safety strategies to reduce the number of truck fires that occur every year.The HVSI is a fantastic program that can achieve significant safety benefits for the industry and community, so I encourage those with a budding safety project to submit an application.In other recent news, I would like to congratulate Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) newly appointed Chair and Board members. It is extremely pleasing to see the wealth of heavy vehicle industry experience represented on the new Board, as well as the diverse range of perspectives to form the nation’s independent infrastructure advisor’s panel.As we move into the busy season, your focus on safety will be important. We’ll continue to focus on education as an alternative to prosecution, and together we’ll work towards preventing future safety risks and tragedies on our roads.We know that in almost every case of an accident or injury, had proper safety measures been followed, an incident wouldn’t occur. You can read about the latest $750,000 enforceable undertaking the NHVR accepted from Lindsay Transport in this edition of On the Road.I encourage you all to continue to practise care and consistency and call out behaviours that are unsafe.Sal, CEO$5.6 million for heavy vehicle safety grantsApplications are now open for Round 7 of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which will see $5.6 million invested into initiatives that will deliver safety improvements across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto urged community and industry groups with tangible, effective ideas that align with the theme Safer Drivers, Safer Vehicles, Safer Road Use to submit their application and make a difference.“I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to find solutions that make our roads safer,” Sal said.Applications for Round 7 funding are open until 14 February 2022. The HVSI is funded by the Federal Government.> Read more about HVSI Round 7Lindsay Transport enters $750,000 enforceable undertakingThe NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Lindsay Transport that will see approximately $750,000 contributed towards implementing safety training and chain of responsibility education across the Lindsay Transport group of companies.The EU stems from an NHVR investigation into Lindsay Transport’s safety policies and procedures, following the death of driver John Bolton on the Logan Motorway in Queensland in November 2018.The EU requires Lindsay Transport to spend almost $750,000 across two years to implement safety strategies that will ensure all practical steps are taken to prevent any further loss of life, and future public risks are effectively mitigated.“We consulted with Mr. Bolton’s family who expressed their support to accept Lindsay’s EU proposal, given it will deliver activities that directly address the risk that caused this incident, compared to a prosecution where the only penalty available was a fine,” NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said.> To read more about the EU, click hereCourt ordered conditions to prevent repeat law offendersThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has prosecuted two Tasmanian operators for unsafe vehicles and fatigue-related offences, resulting in $27,000 in fines and court ordered Supervisory Intervention Orders (SIOs).NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said the prosecutions marked two significant milestones for the NHVR, which would help improve safety across the entire heavy vehicle supply chain.> Read more about the SIOs hereNew Board appointments for Infrastructure AustraliaThe Australian Government has appointed Cr Colin Murray as the new Chair of the independent Infrastructure Australia Board.Cr Murray is joined by Vicki Meyer, Cr Vonette Mead, Amanda Cooper, Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO, Elizabeth Schmidt and Robert Moffat who have also been appointed as Directors of Infrastructure Australia’s Board.Infrastructure Australia Interim Chair Mark Balnaves said he was pleased to welcome both Mr Murray and the new Directors to the IA Board and looked forward to the valuable contributions they will bring.> To read the full announcement, click hereSafety Management Systems – the smart move for businessesNHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto recently reminded industry of the benefits of implementing a Safety Management System (SMS).“An SMS helps you better manage the safety of your operations, is a great way to attract new business and ensure you remain compliant with heavy vehicle safety laws.“As Australia’s heavy vehicle industry grows, I encourage everyone to take some time to either review your existing SMS, or to put one in place.”> Click here to read the full articleIf it’s flooded, forget itFlood weather warnings continue in NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD. Make sure you plan ahead and check conditions to ensure safe travel when operating around flood-affected areas.The NHVR has further information online, including road closure updates and applications for emergency accreditation. > To view updates, click here.COVID-19 UpdateAs state and territory border restrictions ease, it’s important that the heavy vehicle industry continues to work together to ensure the safety of our industry, particularly heading into a busy time of the year.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website, outlining the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements and other information.Industry is encouraged to regularly check the website – www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus – and please continue to take care.Consider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch13 NHVR (136 487)www.nhvr.gov.au Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.
ON THE ROAD Issue 128
on 2021-11-18 13:41:21
by
Donna
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NHVR
Issue 128 | 17 November 2021Safety is our number one priority, and we all have a responsibility to ensure our industry goes to work and arrives home safely.This year, we’ve been working closely with the industry to develop a Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy for the future and I was pleased to release the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021 - 25 and the first of a yearly Action Plan last week.As a modern, risk-based regulator, the focus of our Strategy and Action Plan is based on data-driven intelligence, ensuring we’re targeting and minimising the greatest safety risks on roads and supply chains. As the heavy vehicle industry grows, so too must our continued focus on delivering safety at the highest level.A key part of the strategy and our approach to regulation is ensuring we provide industry and the supply chain with the information and tools you need to manage your business and perform your role safely.In this edition we have released the first piece of regulatory advice material (available here) that provide simple and easy-to-understand guidance about safely transporting shipping container freight. We are keen to hear from you to understand if the information is helpful and if there is anything additional you think we should include. We want to make sure we get it right and it is a valuable resource.I encourage you to read through this important safety information to ensure you are doing everything you can to stay safe as we head into the busy holiday season.Sal, CEOIndustry partnership guides positive safety futureMore fatigue risk management options, targeted compliance activities and promoting safer, cleaner and efficient heavy vehicles are some of the key initiatives to be delivered under the first year of the NHVR’s five-year strategy for heavy vehicle safety.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021-25 and supporting Action Plan 2021-22 was developed in consultation with a wide range of government, industry and safety advocates. “This Strategy outlines our collective ambitions in achieving better heavy vehicle safety outcomes and reducing the number of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries involving heavy vehicles,” Mr Petroccitto said.> Click here to read more about the StrategyNew Regulatory Advice materials availableOver the coming months, the NHVR will be releasing a suite of regulatory advice to help industry the supply chain better understand Chain of Responsibility laws.The first piece of advice is available now and relates to managing the risks of transporting shipping container freight.“As a risk-based regulator, we’re focused on identifying the greatest safety risks to all parties in the Chain of Responsibility, and helping eliminate or control these risks,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said.“Our Regulatory Advice Program is about clearly communicating information to everyone who needs to know, making the heavy vehicle industry and our roads safer.”To read the regulatory advice, click here.Additional regulatory advice will be released over the coming months and industry is encouraged to provide feedback via the NHVR’s website.Long vehicle warning sign changesThe NHVR is reminding operators of long vehicles or road trains to ensure that they are fitted with the correct signage when travelling.The requirements were simplified in 2019 and transitional arrangements for these changes will end on 9 December 2021.Combinations 22-30 metres require a Long Vehicle sign fitted to the back of the vehicle, while combinations 30+ metres long require Road Train signs fitted to the front and back of the vehicle.Operators should also be aware of the conditions of their vehicle’s access approval and continue to observe the road rules and speed limits as set out in each jurisdiction.> For more information about the sign changes, click here.Heavy vehicle safety this grain harvest seasonWith this season’s grain harvest in full swing in many parts of Australia, the NHVR is urging primary producers and contractors to make heavy vehicle safety a priority.Following questions from operators, the NHVR recently released advice that has assessed that a comb mounted on a frame (trailer) designed and built for that dedicated purpose is an agricultural vehicle.This makes it eligible to operate as part of an agricultural combination under the National Agricultural Vehicle Notice (i.e. subject to meeting all other applicable notice conditions).Combs carried on a flatbed or low loader or other types of trailers designed for general transportation work are not considered ‘agricultural vehicles’ under the HVNL and cannot operate under the National Agricultural Vehicle Notice.> Click here for the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide.> Click here for more information on heavy vehicle safety this grain harvest season.If it’s flooded, forget itWith recent weather bringing widespread rain and flooding to parts of the country, heavy vehicle operators are reminded to be aware of their travel routes and to check the conditions before planning their trip.The NHVR has further information online, including road closure updates and applications for emergency accreditation. To view updates, click here.COVID-19 UpdateAs state and territory border restrictions ease, it’s important that the heavy vehicle industry continues to work together to ensure the safety of our industry, particularly heading into a busy time of the year.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website, outlining the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements and other information.Industry is encouraged to regularly check the website – www.nhvr.gov.au/coronovirus – and please continue to take care.Consider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch13 NHVR (136 487)www.nhvr.gov.au Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.
ON THE ROAD Issue 127
on 2021-11-05 00:43:05
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 127 | 3 November 2021The NHVR has this week announced the re-appointment of three board members, including Chair, the Honourable Duncan Gay, together with members Ken Lay AO APM and Robin Stewart-Crompton.I am delighted that all three members accepted the opportunity to continue alongside fellow board members Julie Russell and Catherine Scott, delivering consistency for the NHVR as we progress a number of significant measures, including opportunities to enhance the Heavy Vehicle National Law.In line with the re-appointments, we have also released the NHVR’s updated strategic vision for heavy vehicle safety and productivity reform. As our nation and industry evolves, so too must our priorities and urgency to build on our efforts to be an intelligence-led and risk-based regulator.The NHVR first released its Strategic Directions plan in 2016. Since then, we’ve experienced a lot of change and growth across industry, with our updated plan focussed on three imperatives:Delivering modern and responsive regulation with a focus on sharing data and insights with industryPursuing a consistent safety and productivity agenda focused on increased certaintyInvesting in our digital capabilities to improve how we do business with industry and stakeholders.Some of the ongoing programs of work supporting our Strategic Directions plan include providing increased and tailored regulatory guidance, advocating for practical policy changes and delivering a modern approach to access, focused on understanding infrastructure and providing simpler and more interactive route planning. We’re also ensuring necessary priority is given to promoting positive mental wellbeing amongst industry and the supply chain.We’ve come a long way since 2016 – and we have a lot of opportunities ahead of us. The NHVR has a positive and proactive Strategic Directions plan, critical in ensuring a safe and successful road transport task into the future.Sal, CEOReappointed NHVR Board releases vision for modern regulationDelivering truly borderless operations and increasing flexibility for safe operators are key features of a modern regulatory approach, as outlined in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Strategic Directions 2021-2026 document.NHVR Chair Duncan Gay said the release of the NHVR’s long term Strategy (first released in 2016) came at a critical time for industry, as the regulator pursues ambitious and relevant industry reform to the Heavy Vehicle National Law, currently under the spotlight.“We know the majority of industry want to do the right thing – our job is to leverage this through data sharing and tailored regulatory approaches to lift safety standards right along the supply chain,” Mr Gay said.Mr Gay was recently reappointed Chair of the NHVR Board and welcomed the reappointment of current Board Members Ken Lay and Robin Stewart-Crompton for a further three years.“The reappointment of Ken and Robin at this critical time for our industry will enable continuity in pursuing the opportunities ahead of us,” he said. “They join Board members Julie Russell and Catherine Scott, who both bring a wealth of practical industry experience to the table.”The NHVR’s Strategy Directions document will be reviewed in another five years, following the completion of transition of services.> To view the latest Strategic Directions document, click here.New PBS access notice provides permit-free travelA new notice delivered by the NHVR will give eligible Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles immediate network access when they receive a vehicle approval with a Tier 1 bridge assessment. The notice applies in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the removal of the need to source an access permit prior to travel on the road network was a huge reduction in red tape for operators of PBS vehicles and a boost to productivity.“It will significantly help industry through knowing they have immediate access once a vehicle approval is issued for eligible PBS vehicles under this Notice,” added Mr Petroccitto.A link to the Notice and operator’s guide is below:National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021 Operator’s Guide> For further information, click here.Renewal Application – timeframe updateThe NHVR has revised the timeframe for current renewal application submissions, from six weeks to 12 weeks. The increase in time provides industry more flexibility and time to plan as industry can renew anytime within the 12-week window.This change also provides road managers additional opportunities to consider changes or improvements to heavy vehicle access, including new assessment of infrastructure since the last approval, or new alternatives such as bypass options.The NHVR encourages operators to ensure they have taken the time to undertake any route amendments or additions before submitting renewals. Amendments can still be made up to six weeks prior to the renewal date.> The revision is in place now, with further information located via the NHVR’s Road Access pageEffective court ordered outcome for NHVR and DriverA driver facing four charges of fatigue breaches and a maximum penalty of $67,320 has instead been ordered to obtain an Electronic Work Diary (EWD) by the South Australian court.This is the 3rd successful application of a Supervisory Intervention Order (SIO) by the NHVR and the first time a court has ordered an EWD to address fatigue breaches.Upon inspection of the vehicle’s load and driver’s work diary, the driver confirmed to NHVR Safety Compliance Officers in South Australia they had worked a total of 15 hours in a 24-hour period, which was in breach of the fatigue rules under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.The driver appeared in court and pleaded guilty, with the NHVR Prosecutions team recommending an SIO as appropriate.The court ordered the driver pay a $6,000 fine, wholly suspended if compliant with the SIO, which was approved in the form requested by the NHVR Prosecutions team.As part of the SIO, the driver is required to:Purchase an NHVR-approved EWDRecord their driving and rest breaks in the EWDReport their EWD records to the NHVRNHVR Director of Prosecutions, Belinda Hughes said the order reflected the NHVR’s approach to seek sentences that are appropriate and proportionate to the nature of the safety risk and behaviour.“These orders address the offending behaviour by focusing on education and strategies to prevent an offence occurring again,” Ms Hughes said.“In this case, the driver does not have to pay a fine, provided he complies with the 12 month court order.“We hope that by using an EWD, the driver will improve his trip planning and ensuring he has adequate rest breaks preventing future fatigue breaches.”> For information on the benefits of an EWD, click here.NHVR approves first two EWDs based on iOS devicesThe NHVR has approved Q by Quallogi as the first Electronic Work Diary (EWD) to operate on an additional Android and two iOS devices.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto confirmed the addition of Apple iPhone SE and iPad (5th Generation) last week, having approved Q by Quallogi in May this year as the fifth official EWD approved for use.“More and more drivers and operators are using EWDs and we expect this trend to increase in the future,” Mr Petroccitto said.“The more device flexibility that can be provided, the more options people have to use an EWD.”The NHVR is currently working with technology providers to develop innovative ways to meet industry’s demand and increase uptake of EWDs.> To stay up to date with approved EWDs and their conditions of use, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/ewdConsider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch13 NHVR (136 487)www.nhvr.gov.au
ON THE ROAD Issue 126
on 2021-10-21 01:59:58
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 126 | 20 October 2021This month, the NHVR joins thousands of businesses and communities in acknowledging National Work Safe Month and National Mental Health Month. Both themes are extremely important and ongoing priorities for industry and the NHVR.The focus for National Work Safe Month is about thinking safe, working safe and being safe; while National Mental Health Month is focused on the post pandemic recovery challenges and resilience.As Australia gathers increased momentum and state borders start to re-open, everyone’s safety and mental wellbeing is critical. For the heavy vehicle industry, we’ll see more vehicles on roads, and for many, the pace and necessity for goods to be delivered will increase, with the holiday season fast approaching.With this in mind, it’s a timely reminder to ensure safety is at the forefront of everything we do – and that includes ensuring drivers are getting the rest when needed, driving to the conditions, undertaking daily safety checks of vehicles, and importantly, ensuring that drivers are fit for duty. We’re continuing to approach safety through tailored approaches including raising awareness, education and taking enforcement action where required. An example of this approach is the work our prosecutions team is doing relating to enforceable undertakings, with our Director of Prosecutions discussing the approach as part of this edition of On The Road.We’re also continuing to pursue improved flexible fatigue safety outcomes through the Heavy Vehicle National Law review. We are focused on the law better recognising individual driver needs and helping them manage work and rest within current outer limits, as well as ensuring the law recognises safety technologies.The law also needs to enable the regulator to work with operators to establish work and rest hours and safety measures tailored specifically to the operator, and their drivers’ individual circumstances. Ultimately, operators and drivers know their business and how to maximise public safety better than anybody else.I encourage industry to continue to put forward your views to policymakers on how we can enhance fatigue management and all parts of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, as together, we deliver greater levels of safety, security and positive mental wellbeing this month – and ongoing.Sal, CEOHealthy Heads receives crucial funding this Mental Health MonthHealthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) will receive funding through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) to deliver targeted mental wellbeing resources, tools and programs for truck drivers, and distribution and warehouse staff.The funding allows HHTS to continue embedding the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadmap across the sector and deliver new initiatives on a national scale.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the NHVR was extremely proud to support HHTS in their commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain.“Prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our industry and supply chain is crucial to keeping everyone safe, and the sector moving,” Sal said.> For more information, head to www.healthyheads.org.auSenSen contract next step in new monitoring technologyThe NHVR has welcomed a partnership with SenSen to deliver rapid deployable AI solutions using vehicle mounted cameras, a drone, and solar powered trailers.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the contract was the next step in delivering new and innovative ways to make Australian roads safer for everyone.“Having the best, most up-to-date information, including information gathered through cameras, helps us to make better decisions about law reform, safety and productivity programs,” Sal said.> For more information on the contract, click hereApproved temporary variation to escorting arrangements in QueenslandThe NHVR, in consultation with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS), has allowed a temporary variation to escorting arrangements by QPS.Operators of Class 1 Oversize and Over Mass (OSOM) loads may use the temporary variation during the disaster declaration period relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, or until advised otherwise. The variation is applicable to Class 1 OSOM movements not exceeding 5.5 metres in width and 35 metres in length.The temporary variation is not valid for:wide loads travelling in convoy;all wide load movements involving contra-traffic flows, reverse direction of travel, traffic control and other manoeuvres contrary to the Queensland road rules.Please note that operators must carry a letter of temporary variation, along with any access permit, in the case of an authorised officer’s request. A copy of the letter of temporary variation can be downloaded here.> For further information, please visit the NHVR’s COVID-19 response pageOperator’s guide format – opportunity to commentA 92% satisfaction rating from operators and road managers for the NHVR’s first online National Road Train Prime Mover Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 Operator's Guide – which replaced several PDF guides and fact sheets with one mobile-responsive webpage – means we’ll now be publishing all future operator’s guides in this format.Feedback received about this, and the National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 Operator's Guide, has confirmed it’s much easier to find information in these online operator’s guides, which can still be printed as a complete document if operators want to carry a paper copy in their trucks.We’ll also be gradually replacing our existing PDF operator’s guides with online guides, starting with the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide. To ensure this meets user requirements and to seek suggestions for improvement, we’ll be holding a webinar on the draft design on Thursday 4 November. There will be two session times: 9.30 – 10.30am and 1.30 –2.30pm.To register your attendance at one of these sessions, please contact Policy Officer Jodie Batten at jodie.batten@nhvr.gov.auEnforceable Undertakings – a prosecution alternativeNHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes recently shared her thoughts on how enforceable undertakings (EUs) can encourage and monitor safer behaviours in an individual or company and improve safety for all road users.> Read Belinda's article hereMoney put into safety education, not fines for two trucking companiesThe NHVR recently accepted two enforceable undertakings (EU) from J.J. Richards & Sons Pty Ltd (JJR) and Brother Nature Pty Ltd (Brother) valued over $50,000 to correct activities around vehicle mass and loading requirements.NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said EUs offer an alternative to a court fine.“Instead of proceeding with the court matter which may only result in a fine, we have given the companies an opportunity to spend money on their own safety systems and procedures that will protect them and the broader community in the future.”> Click here to read the full articleCOVID-19 UpdateThe heavy vehicle industry continues to keep Australia connected through the COVID-19 pandemic, with the NHVR, industry and governments working in partnership to ensure the safety of all Australians and plot a path to increased freedoms.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website which details the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements and other information.Industry is encouraged to regularly check the website – www.nhvr.gov.au/coronovirus – and please continue to stay safe and take care.Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past months, but safety still comes first.Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487)www.nhvr.gov.au Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.
ON THE ROAD Issue 125
on 2021-10-07 02:24:32
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 125 | 7 October 2021Australia’s road freight task is growing almost twice as fast as its population, with 40% growth predicted between 2020 and 2030. The NHVR has estimated that to meet this demand, Australia will need an additional 50,000 qualified and experienced drivers - and this doesn’t include those professional drivers that we will see retire during this time.We only have to turn on the TV to understand the dire consequences of truck driver shortages. I’m also hearing plenty of feedback from industry that we have increasing challenges with driver shortages here.The essential nature of our heavy vehicle industry has been clearly highlighted and reinforced in the last 20 months through COVID, as our communities better understand the vital role truck drivers play in keeping townships connected. Both governments and industry need to take these warnings seriously, particularly in a safety sense, and act now to ensure our systems such as licensing, are realistic and providing for the future.Yesterday, I appeared before the Joint Select Committee on Road Safety which is chaired by former Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Darren Chester and includes other key representatives including Senator Tony Sheldon.It was extremely pleasing that the Committee was particularly engaged on the issue of needing to reform our driver licensing system to focus on a competency rather than a time served approach, as well as ensuring the heavy vehicle task and the licensing system provides a clear and professional career path starting from school leaver age.The discussion was in line with the Australian Government’s recent announcement – which the NHVR welcomes – to invest in the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy, encouraging employers to take on new drivers as an example.With the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law currently underway, it provides an important opportunity to look at how we lift safety standards and prepare for the future across all critical heavy vehicle systems and processes.The NHVR will continue to work with industry and policy makers to ensure we provide the right tools and support to the heavy vehicle industry to set them up to succeed.Sal, CEOPrimary Producer concessions information added to Rego Checker AppUsers of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Registration Checker app can now check for primary producer concessions across all eastern states and South Australia.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the free service would allow loaders, packers, and other supply chain parties to ensure vehicles were operating under the correct registration.“We’ve responded to feedback from industry groups and businesses that regularly raise concerns about some operators using primary producer discounts to operate on a commercial basis,” Mr Petroccitto said.“Including concession information will help industry and governments address and hopefully begin to reduce concession misuse across the industry in a more collective way.”> For more details, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/registrationNational Primary Production Work Diary Exemption NoticeThe NHVR has updated the National Primary Production Work Diary Exemption Notice to support the productivity of primary producers during the busy harvest season.Drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles that carry primary produce between a production facility and a point of sale can now drive 160km (rather than 100km) from their base before they are required to use the National Driver Work Diary.The updated notice is now in effect and ensures the continuation of increased productivity and efficiency for primary producer operators, without compromising safety.> To view the fact sheet and notice, click hereNHVR supports mechanical inspections ahead of grain harvestSouth Australian NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) recently partnered with the South Australian Agricultural Bureau to offer free, pre-harvest inspections of farm load carrying vehicles.Over three days, more than 120 heavy vehicles were inspected by the teams at Gladstone, Nurom and Redhill.NHVR SCOs provided advice, answered questions from drivers and operators, and delivered presentations on the use of Vehicle Inspection Trailers, which were used as part of the inspections.“This was an invaluable engagement opportunity with drivers and operators ahead a busy farm harvest season,” NHVR Director of Southern Region Operations Division, Paul Simionato said.“The safety of drivers and vehicles ensures a productive and efficient industry and I thank everyone involved for supporting this important exercise.”Harvest contractors focus of heavy vehicle safetyThe NHVR Stakeholder Engagement team recently worked with a harvesting contactor from Echuca in Victoria who had migrated north for the NSW grain harvest season.Like many contracts, he will be working his way home as the harvest season progresses moves south.“We assisted the contractor to identify what routes were covered by notices and how to apply for the permits he needed to access additional routes and new customers’ farms,” said Stakeholder Engagement Specialist Tim Hansen.> Click here for more information on heavy vehicle safety and access this grain harvest seasonNational Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual version 3.0 releasedThe NHVR has released an updated version of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) following a five-yearly review and extensive industry consultation.The NHVIM version 3.0 includes some new inspection criteria for the recently implemented vehicle standards, as well as some minor amendments to existing criteria to ensure it remains relevant to both new and existing heavy vehicles.The manual provides authorised officers, vehicle examiners and operators a consistent set of criteria when conducting heavy vehicle inspections, ensuring a national approach to the management of vehicle safety.The NHVIM v3.0 will come into effect on 18 October 2021. Any inspections conducted up until 18 October 2021 should continue to be performed using the NHVIM v2.4.> The NHVIM v3.0, and a summary of the updates, can be found hereDaylight savings – work diariesWith daylight savings now in place across many states and territories, the NHVR is reminding drivers travelling outside their normal time zone to ensure they count and record time, including night rests, according to the time zone of their base.As an example, if a driver is based in Queensland and drives into New South Wales during daylight savings time, they are required to record their work and rest hours in Queensland time.As work diaries record dates and locations, an Authorised Officer will be able to identify the daylight savings time change.> Click here for more information on counting timeFinding the flexibility to meet fatigue requirementsNHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto recently wrote about the NHVR’s Advanced Fatigue Management scheme and the opportunity for operators to take advantage of systems that provide more flexibility in meeting fatigue requirements and improving safety. > To read the column, click hereNew high productivity routes for VictoriaThe Victorian Government has approved another 700km of high productivity routes, further streamlining the process for a range of Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles in northern and central Victoria.New routes include the Maroondah/Melba Highway, Princes Hwy from Bruthen to the NSW border, and the Ringwood and Yarra Glen Bypasses. These routes are already in use, but until now have been subject to individual route assessments on a permit-by-permit basis. > Click here to read more about the high productivity routesCOVID-19 UpdateThe heavy vehicle industry continues to keep Australia connected though the COVID-19 pandemic, with the NHVR, industry and governments working in partnership to ensure the safety of all Australians and plot a path to increased freedoms.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website which details the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements and other information. Industry is encouraged to regularly check the website - www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus - and please continue to stay safe and take care.Consider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487)www.nhvr.gov.au Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.