NHVR (73)
ON THE ROAD Issue 96
on 2020-09-24 05:46:02
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 96 | 22 September 2020Message from the CEOWe all have a shared responsibility to do what we can to make our industry safe.Across the board, we know that most people in our industry are serious about keeping themselves and others safe. That’s reflected in the results of our 2020 NHVR Industry Safety Survey, conducted earlier this year.But there is still more that we can all do, to ensure everyone comes home safe.I encourage you to take the time to read the results of the survey, to keep up the conversation about safety and think about what more you can do in your own workplace to look after yourself, your workmates and everyone else on our roads.SalSurvey shows industry putting safety firstFreight border crossing updatesThe 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.The latest news includes:NSW government is opening three additional heavy vehicle friendly COVID testing sites. A facility at the Taree service centre on the Pacific Highway (9am-4pm 7 days) has opened while Narrabarba rest area, on the Princes Highway and Forbes Caltex, on the Newell Highway will open in the coming days. Click here for more information on testing sites.SA Police are continuing to monitor reports of “stowaways” crossing into South Australia. The NHVR is reminding every operator to ensure that they have all necessary paperwork and documentation required for entry to SA as well as all PPE required for entry to the state.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/coronavirusIf 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.Container campaign a boost for truck safetyThe container transport and logistics industry has stepped up to support heavy vehicle safety, releasing a coordinated campaign to raise awareness and good practice in safely packing shipping containers heading to and from Australian ports.Container transport is forecast to double over the next 12 years and with 80 per cent carried by Australian heavy vehicles, it’s vital cargo inside containers is properly secured and not overloaded.The campaign is being delivered by Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA), Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), with support from ICHCA Australia and funded by $140,000 from the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.Six supporting online training and information modules were produced covering the impact of unsafe container loading practices, international conventions, heavy vehicle laws, Chain of Responsibility, packing to minimise risk and truck rollover prevention.Click here for the full statementSurvey shows industry putting safety firstA recent NHVR survey of almost 4000 participants has shown that two-thirds of heavy vehicle businesses have a safety system in their operation.NHVR Chief Executive Officer Sal Petroccitto said the results of the 2020 NHVR Industry Safety Survey demonstrates the ongoing commitment from the majority of industry to keep pursuing improved safety outcomes.“We know industry has increasingly adopted and invested in improved safety practices over the last 10 years and the significant take up of Safety Management Systems by industry continues to support better safety results,” Mr Petroccitto said.“The survey provides a baseline result of the current safety environment that we can collectively monitor to understand trends and changes across safety practices.”The NHVR conducted the survey in March this year and received responses from a wide cross section of industry employees, including drivers, managers and operators.Click here for the full statementA snapshot of the survey results is available at www.nhvr.gov.au/safetysurvey or click here for more information on the NHVR’s free on-line information sessions on the survey results on October 28.To download or use the NHVR’s free Safety Management System information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/smsNew safety tool for grain transportersAs the next round of harvest approaches, the Grain Transport Safety Network (GTSN) has developed a comprehensive Truck Book with information on legal mass limits.There are 84 truck types identified in the Truck Book plus a wealth of technical information to guide users. A copy of the GTSN Truck Book can be freely downloaded from the GTSN website at http://gtsn.com.au/resources/truck-book/The GTSN is a collaborative network of grain industry supply chain participants including loaders and unloaders of grain, freight providers, customers, growers and the government/statutory authorities.Connect with us on social media View this email onlineHaving 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 95
on 2020-09-12 04:47:35
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 95 | 9 September 2020 Message from the CEOAustralia is a vast, decentralised country and the heavy vehicle industry is the backbone of our economy.Whether it’s agriculture, construction, resources or medicine there isn’t an industry that doesn’t rely on trucks to get the supplies they need.That’s why heavy vehicle safety is everyone’s responsibility and drivers should be confident that when they go to work they will come home safe.Encouragingly, recently released figures show that heavy vehicle crash fatalities were down over 17 per cent in the past financial year.We need to keep up that good work by educating our friends and colleagues on how to drive around trucks, ensuring our workplaces are safe and looking out for our own physical and mental wellbeing.We will continue to work with the industry to make things safer as you travel across our country.SalTruck fatalities downRecently released data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) has shown a significant reduction in heavy vehicle crash fatalities over the 12 months to June 2020.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the data was encouraging but that there was never room for complacency.“Over the past financial year there were 157 fatalities recorded, down 17.8 per cent on last financial year,” Mr Petroccitto said.“This includes a 30.4 per cent reduction in fatalities involving heavy rigid vehicles and a 7.8 per cent reduction in fatalities involving articulated vehicles.“Of course, any death in a crash is one too many and we are always focused on what we can do to make our roads safer for all users.“We are continuing to remind drivers that we need space to keep you safe – targeting drivers of light vehicles, who are most often at fault in crashes involving trucks.”Click here to read the reportNew fact sheet on supplementary recordsAre you delayed purchasing a new work diary due to COVID-19 restrictions in some areas of Australia?The NHVR has released a new Fact Sheet outlining how to use a supplementary record if a written work diary is lost, stolen, destroyed or filled up.Supplementary records can be in any format but must contain all the information normally recorded in a work diary and must be carried for 28 days with the driver’s new work diary.Drivers must not use supplementary records after buying a replacement work diary or after more than seven business days.Click here to download the fact sheet about supplementary recordsFreight border crossing updatesThe 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.The latest news includes:NSW – the free testing sites at Narrandera Roadhouse (Newell Highway) and Tarcutta truck change over yard (Sydney St, off Hume Highway) will operator 24 hours per day, seven days a week until further notice.Click here for more details on heavy vehicle-friendly testing sites in Queensland, South Australia and TasmaniaHave 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/coronavirusIf 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.Blueprint to boost heavy vehicle productivityExpanding networks and reducing the need for access permits will continue to boost freight efficiency according to a productivity blueprint released by the NHVR.The NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2020-25 is an important step to ensure governments and road managers were taking steps to meet Australia’s future freight growth.It outlines important objectives, including partnering with local governments to build capability and promoting more productive heavy vehicles that are better for the environment and communities, as well as providing certainty and consistency with access.Click here to view the full statement and the PlanProject reviews freight route productivityThe NHVR officers met with local government representative in Toowoomba recently to launch a national project that aims to make better use of local freight routes.The Phase 1 Pilot of the Strategic Local Government Assessment Project (SLGAAP) is well underway with 100 bridges and culverts across 12 councils now being assessed by engineers.Click here to read the full statement.If you know of any bridges or culverts that have restricted access for OSOM vehicles, please let us know on our interactive map.For more information on the NHVR’s Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project, contact the project team on roadassetproject@nhvr.gov.au or call 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487).Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.Get in touch1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487)www.nhvr.gov.auConnect with us on social media View this email onlineHaving troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.
ON THE ROAD Issue 94
on 2020-09-02 07:22:08
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 94 | 25 August 2020CEO UpdateThere 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.SalFreight border crossing updatesThe 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-4pmTarcutta truck change over yard, Sydney Street, off Hume Highway. Open 9am-4pmFor 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/coronavirusIf 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 healthThe 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 informationSupport for livestock code awarenessThe 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 informationQueensland company found guilty of breaching safety dutyA 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 article1300 calls to hotline last yearThe 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 hereSurvey on movement of agricultural vehiclesTransport 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 surveyConnect with us on social media View this email onlineHaving 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 93
on 2020-08-11 08:06:59
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 93 | 11 August 2020As we move through a year that has thrown up some of the biggest challenges many of us have ever faced, the NHVR remains committed to supporting and working with operators on ways to do things differently, innovate and come out of this stronger.For example, nobody considered a few months ago that the inclusion of open service centres and truck-friendly COVID-19 testing centres would be an essential layer on our heavy vehicle route planner. Or that cabin hygiene, border passes and facemask protocols would become an important item for every truckie safety briefing.Now more than ever, the priority of all parties in the heavy vehicle supply chain needs to be on ensuring safety.At the same time the NHVR is working hard to coordinate, collate and provide the most accurate, timely information from state governments and road managers. We will endeavour to keep you informed as things evolve.I’ve had the opportunity to talk to a lot of different people from across all parts of the heavy vehicle industry over the past few weeks.Whether I’m talking to drivers, operators, government or other people in the supply chain something that comes up time and time again is that the success of our industry is grounded in all stakeholders working together to embrace the future, in pursuit of a safer, more productive network for everyone. SalSalFreight border crossing updatesThe NHVR has been advised of a number of ongoing changes for essential travellers, including anyone moving freight, particularly changes to COVID-19 testing requirements when crossing state borders.National Cabinet has agreed to the Freight Movement Code for the Domestic Border Controls – Freight Movement Protocol. These will be implemented over the coming days, on a state by state basis.The National Freight protocol could commence as early as Wednesday, however each individual state has up until Monday 17 August to implement the protocol. The NHVR is encouraging all operators to commence as soon as possible implementing within their business a framework that will cover the “Enforceable Measures” outlined in the protocol.Recent changes include:Queensland government has declared NSW and the ACT as Covid-19 Hotspots. There is also a new dedicated Freight Pass and we encourage all essential freight workers to start applications for the new F code permits as soon as is practical. Apply for the Freight Pass hereIn Victoria, workers in permitted industries must carry a Worker Permit issued and signed by their employer while within the Melbourne area. This includes the freight industry. The form requires details of essential work activity on a rolling seven-day schedule. Click for more information about Victoria Work PermitsHave 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/coronavirusIf 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.WA company prosecuted for fatigue breachesThe depot manager of a Western Australian transport company was convicted in South Australia under the Heavy Vehicle National Law for critical breaches of fatigue regulations.It follows an investigation after drivers from the company were intercepted by NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers near Ceduna, South Australia.> Read the full story hereDon’t pressure truckies as COVID restriction startsThe NHVR has again reiterated that trucking industry customers must not make demands that would affect safety if there are delays due to COVID restrictions.The NHVR joined the Australian Trucking Association to reinforce that the Heavy Vehicle National Law imposed duties on the trucking industry’s customers as well as trucking businesses.> Read the full statement hereNHVR thanks outgoing ATA CEOThe NHVR has thanked outgoing Australian Trucking Association (ATA) CEO Ben Maguire for his services to the heavy vehicle industry after his recent announcement that he would step down.Mr Maguire had been a strong advocate for heavy vehicle industry safety reform and productivity.> Read the full statement hereFunding boost to drive heavy vehicle safetyTwenty-six projects aimed at saving lives and reducing road trauma will share in $5.9 million under Round 5 of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.The list of projects was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack recently. They include projects such as developing or testing innovative new technologies, mental health support for drivers, educational campaigns and much-needed training and development.The Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program funds initiatives that will deliver safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry and other road users. It is administered by the NHVR on behalf of the Commonwealth Government and has provided $22.8 million for 89 HVSI grants over the past five years.> Read the full statement here> Click here for more information on the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety InitiativeCode of Practice for Australian wine industryOne of the key projects funded under Round 5 of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative will be a heavy vehicle Code of Practice, developed for the Australian wine industry.The Code will be an important step to improve road safety and assist the industry in meeting their Chain of Responsibility obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.Under Chain of Responsibility obligations, everyone involved in the wine supply chain shares responsibility for ensuring the safe transportation of goods.Read the full announcement from the South Australian Wine Industry Association here.> Click here for the media releaseJoin Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds launchLog on to join the launch of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) – a major new industry-driven initiative focused on delivering better mental health outcomes in the road transport and logistics industries.The NHVR has joined with leading transport companies to support HHTS and its goal to deliver a single national mental health plan for the sector.The key pillars of the program are:An increase in the number of people trained in mental health at transport and logistics facilitiesStandardisation of policies and regulation at these facilitiesHelping the individual be healthier from a diet and mental health perspectiveJoin the HHTS official launch on 18 August 2020 via a 30 minute live streamed Q&A-style program where a panel of industry leaders, drivers, government representatives and leaders within the mental health space will all join in a candid conversation around mental health and wellness in the road transport and logistics industries.> Click here to registerView this email onlineHaving troubles viewing this email?Please click here to view online. Connect with us on social media 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.
ONTHE ROAD Issue 92
on 2020-08-06 23:45:01
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 92 | 28 July 2020The heavy vehicle industry is playing a vital role in both supporting the national economy and in efforts to reduce transmission of coronavirus.While wearing a mask is not compulsory in all cases when crossing state borders, the NHVR and trucking associations have joined together to highlight the benefits of all essential workers, including those involved in the freight task wearing masks.Even where it’s not compulsory, we believe it is an important way to reduce risk and reassure the community that the industry is leading the fight and doing the right thing.It’s vital that our industry continues to take a proactive approach to protecting ourselves and the community to help slow the spread of COVID-19.For up to date information on changes to operating conditions during the pandemic and the latest on border restrictions specific to the transport of freight and logistics, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusSalHunter Region notice to slash permit numbersA new network has been established to support the movement of oversize over mass (OSOM) mining equipment across the Hunter Valley.The New South Wales Class 1 Load Carrying Combination (Hunter Region) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice would reduce red tape and provide certainty for the local mining and freight industry.The Notice is the largest mass and dimension notice in the country, covering vehicles up to 184.5 tonnes for a combination up to 39.9 metres long, 5.9 metres wide and 5.2 metres high, travelling across the local government areas of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Maitland, Upper Hunter and Warrumbungle.Click here for more informationShare the road tips for travelling caravanersCheck out the latest video tips that every caravan or RV driver should watch before hitting the road this winter and pass them on to your mates.The Whiteline Television videos, fronted by well-known truckie and safety advocate Rod Hannifey and entertainer Amelia Ryan, cover topics such as sharing truck stops and roadhouses or overtaking on a highway.The NHVR is calling on any driver who knows someone with a caravan to ‘Tell a mate’ to watch these videos.They feature some of Australia’s finest outback scenery, but Rod and Amelia’s tips are vitally important whether you are on an open highway, stopping for a break or setting up for the night.See the full announcement here.To view the Share the Road videos visit www.sharetheroad.net.auChanges to South Australian inspectionsSouth Australia’s requirement for Restricted Access Vehicles (RAV) to undergo an annual inspection, or to be in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) will end on August 1.This aligns South Australia with other Australian jurisdictions and is expected to create efficiencies for RAVs travelling between States and Territories.Operators must continue to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy and there is still the requirement for an inspection at change of vehicle ownership.To continue to improve road safety and heavy vehicle roadworthiness compliance, additional options will be investigated in consultation with the NHVR and the South Australian Police.Additional information relating to heavy vehicles can be found at www.sa.gov.auNHVR partnership delivers livestock effluent disposal pointA new livestock effluent disposal pit at the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLE) was opened earlier this month and is now available to all livestock transporters.The project was a joint initiative of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Horsham Rural City Council and funded under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.The newly installed pit will provide allow transporters to dispose of accumulated livestock effluent either at the end of their journey to the saleyards, or on their way to deliver a consignment further afield.Read the joint announcement hereHow to nominate a local government road asset for assessmentThe NHVR is currently in the process of assessing important infrastructure assets, like bridges and culverts, as part of the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Program (SLGAAP). A better understanding of these assets on key local government heavy vehicle routes will improve heavy vehicle access and productivity across Australia.The pilot phase of the project, involving 12 councils, is underway and now we are calling on the industry to help us identify assets that would benefit from an assessment in future phases of the project. View the step by step guide to nominating an asset for assessmentRegister for the NHVR SLGAAP Engagement Hub to nominate an assetFreight border crossing updatesThe NHVR has been advised of a number of on-going changes for essential travellers, including anyone moving freight, when crossing state borders.These include:Tasmania. From 31 July 2020, an Essential Traveller who has spent time in a designated NSW hotspot or any part of Victoria in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Tasmania will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test on arrival at air and seaports. There will be medical and or nursing staff at the ports to conduct the testing.Western Australia. Anyone who has been in, or transited through Victoria or NSW within the previous 14 days will be required to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours or arrival.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/coronavirusConnect with us on social media View this email onlineHaving 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.