Issue 94 | 25 August 2020

CEO Update

There is a growing level of discussion and research into the mental demands of truck driving, particularly during the current pandemic. Spending a significant amount of time on the road away from friends and family can take an enormous toll. Loneliness is increasingly being recognised as a key public health challenge, contributing to anxiety and depression as well increasing the risk of chronic health issues later in life. The nature of our industry means that truck drivers are particularly vulnerable. The recent launch of Healthy Heads in Truck and Sheds (HHTS) highlights the effort to break down the stigma around mental health – particularly in an industry that supports a high percentage of men, who are less likely to seek help or talk about how they’re feeling. In addition to HHTS, the NHVR is also proud to support funding for the NT Road Transport Association’s Working for a Healthier Tomorrow project, WA’s Injury Matters and their Mental and Physical Safety (MaPS) on Our Roads program, research by ACT-based OZHELP Foundation and expanding the Transport Workers’ Union’s Transport Industry Mental Health Initiative pilot. It’s important to recognise that there is no silver bullet to improving mental health, but by working together across industry and government, we can make our industry safer and healthier. If you or someone you know needs help, you are not alone. To speak to someone 24/7, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. Sal

Freight border crossing updates

The NHVR is continuing to coordinate information from state and federal authorities for essential travellers, including anyone moving freight. Stay up to date with information about the ongoing requirements, particularly changes to COVID-19 testing requirements when crossing state borders. As announced in the national Freight Movement Code for the Domestic Border Controls – Freight Movement Protocol (the Code), and as part of a key strategy to reduce the spread of coronavirus, freight operators are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and drivers are encouraged to undertake voluntary COVID-19 testing on a rolling seven day basis. Testing is not mandatory in NSW but is recommended. The following NSW pop-up testing locations were opened on Monday 24 August: Narrandera Roadhouse, Newell Highway. Open 9am-4pm Tarcutta truck change over yard, Sydney Street, off Hume Highway. Open 9am-4pm For more details on heavy vehicle-friendly testing sites in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania click here.

Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?

A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past few months, but safety still comes first. Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus If you have any questions that we haven’t answered on this page, you can contact us by phone on 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487), by email at info@nhvr.gov.au or by sending us a message on Facebook.

Project targets early intervention for truckie heart health

The Queensland Trucking Association will deliver the Driving Heart Health Project to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian truck drivers. The project, funded under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, aims to increase physical and psycho-social health awareness for heavy vehicle drivers through an early-intervention health screening program. Click here for more information

Support for livestock code awareness

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) will deliver an education and awareness campaign to promote the adoption of the Registered Industry Code of Practice – Managing effluent in the livestock supply chain to industry stakeholders. The funding for the project was provided under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. The code is being developed in consultation with a working group representing a wide range of stakeholders from the livestock supply chain and related interest groups including livestock transporters, primary producers, feedlots, saleyards, agents, processors, animal welfare advocates, biosecurity experts and law enforcement. Click here for more information

Queensland company found guilty of breaching safety duty

A Queensland trucking company has been fined $60,000 after pleading guilty to two charges of breaching their primary duty of ensuring safety under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The charges stem from a call to the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line, which resulted in an investigation. Click to read the full article

1300 calls to hotline last year

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has reminded drivers that the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL) is ready to assist with resolving safety issues across the heavy vehicle Chain of Responsibility. In 2019-20 the HVCRL, received 1,288 calls resulting in 889 reports that were assessed and investigated by the NHVR or police and transport authorities. Information received about fatigue, loading and mechanical safety represent the most common reports. Read the full statement here

Survey on movement of agricultural vehicles

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) wants to make it easier for farmers to access, understand and meet the legislative requirements of operating agricultural vehicles in NSW. To better understand what farmers need, TfNSW has created a survey, which is open to the public until midnight Thursday 27 August. The results will be used to develop a solution that provides farmers with clear and accessible information about agricultural vehicles in NSW. Click here for more information about the survey

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