Issue 109 | 23 March 2021 This is a resilient industry and we know what steps are needed to ensure a fast recovery from the current flooding in New South Wales and Queensland. Where possible operators should avoid travelling in impacted areas, but if it is necessary please be aware of local emergency access arrangements. Thankfully, most people in our industry understand the dangers of flooding and do the right thing. The NHVR has been in close contact with road managers in the past 48 hours to assist with access issues and we’ll be taking further action in the coming days as floodwaters recede and roads re-open. Please stay tuned to the NHVR’s website and social media channels for further updates on emergency fatigue provisions and other disaster relief measures, such as heavy vehicle hotlines. In the meantime, please stay up to date with the latest road closures at this link. Sal, CEO

Regulator partnering to deliver a healthier future for industry

The NHVR has entered into a new partnership with the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) Foundation to improve psychological safety and physical health across the heavy vehicle and logistics industries. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the partnership with HHTS showed the importance the NHVR placed on mental and physical health when it comes to heavy vehicle safety and ensuring drivers and logistics workers have access to the best possible information, resources and support. “The NHVR will contribute $150,000 over the next three years to progress key initiatives that the NHVR sees as critical to supporting mental and physical health,” Mr Petroccitto said. “The HHTS project is one of the first mental health initiatives that is directly co-driven with industry, customers and others across the complete supply chain at all levels.” HHTS is a registered not-for-profit charitable foundation that exists for the benefit of the broader supply chain and is open to all operators regardless of size or scale. > Read the full story

Have your say on the Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy

The NHVR is seeking feedback on the draft Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021-2025, which sets out the NHVR’s strategic ambitions to improve heavy vehicle safety outcomes and contribute to a reduction in the number of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries involving heavy vehicles. NHVR Safety Director Greg Fill said the strategy, which was developed to align with the Federal Government’s draft National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, is open for feedback until 30 April 2021. “The Safety Strategy will be supported by an annual Action Plan, outlining the activities, responsibilities and timeframes for delivery that the NHVR will undertake over the next five years,” Mr Fill said. > Read the full story

NHVR partners with peak engineering body on road access project

The NHVR is partnering with the Queensland peak body for public works engineers to help deliver the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP). The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland (IPWEAQ) is providing invaluable support to the project, including helping to develop the Asset Assessment Framework. SLGAAP is a Commonwealth-funded initiative to help local councils undertake heavy vehicle assessments on their own on-road assets, such as bridges and culverts. > Read the full story

Consignor prosecuted over pedestrian crossing rollover

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has charged a Victorian company with serious safety offences after a truck toppled onto a pedestrian island crossing. The heavy vehicle was loaded with a shipping container carrying 26 tonnes of imported timber plywood products when it rolled over in Dandenong on 11 November 2019. The case is the first prosecution of a consignor by the NHVR following the 2018 amendment of the Heavy Vehicle National Law which made all parties in the supply chain part of the Chain of Responsibility, with a shared duty to ensure the safety of transport activities. > Read the full story

New health program gives drivers a roadside check-up

Truck drivers will be able to get roadside health checks thanks to an innovative new program being supported by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. The ‘Truckie Tune Ups’ are a key part of the OzHelp Foundation’s new Health in Gear program, which aims to improve health and wellbeing across transport industry. > Read the full story

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/coronavirus

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