NHVR (73)
ON THE ROAD Issue 122
on 2021-09-25 00:04:01
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 122 | 24 August 2021As COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives, I want to thank the heavy vehicle industry for your dedication and commitment in continuing to ensure there is food on the tables of all Australians.Our priority is your health and wellbeing and I encourage operators and drivers to ensure you are looking after yourself as well as your families and colleagues during this challenging time.We will keep listening to industry’s concerns and advocate where we can. Most recently, this included working with the state and territory authorities to influence practical outcomes to enable drivers to access essential facilities.We also recently re-instated temporary changes to the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme’s driver medical and audit requirements to support operators. The practical changes that meet COVID-19 restrictions will be in place until the end of January 2022 and full details are listed in this edition of On The Road.It's also important to listen to the latest health directives. Vaccinations for freight workers have now been prioritised by various state and territories and if you haven’t already, I encourage you to consider your vaccine options.I can’t stress enough that mental health always needs to be top of mind. Last week, we partnered with the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Foundation to launch a new Healthy Heads App that seeks to improve access to health information and tools for those on our freight frontline. Take the time to check out the app, and most importantly, please continue to look out for one another and speak up if you are struggling.Stay safe.Sal, CEOA safer grain harvest with companies using easy nine step planThe NHVR has released a simple 9 Step Safety Management System Roadmap to assist all parties across the heavy vehicle supply chain to support each other to operate safely.The Roadmap can assist businesses to develop and improve their heavy vehicle safety systems.Staff from the NHVR and other agencies will be out talking to grain producers and grain receivers in Queensland and NSW during August and September to discuss heavy vehicle safety during grain harvest season.> To read more about primary producer safety, click hereImprovement Notice issued to a multi-national logistics company following fatigue investigationA multi-national logistics company has been issued with an Improvement Notice by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), after an investigation uncovered evidence of falsified records and insufficient fatigue management, compliance, and auditing practices.NHVR Investigators completed an extensive safety duties investigation after receiving a report through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line.> Read more about the Improvement Notice hereHealthy Heads App launched to support industryAustralia’s peak body for mental health and wellbeing in the road transport, warehousing, and logistics sector, has taken a step toward improving access to mental health and physical wellbeing support for workers, with the launch of the Healthy Heads App.In recognising that most freight operators are small businesses, Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS), with the support of the NHVR has developed an app that aims to improve ease of access to information, tools, and support when it comes to individual mental health and physical wellbeing.> To learn more about the app, click here Mental health first aid courseTransport industry employees in Brisbane are invited to attend a free mental health first aid course. The course focusses on teaching participants about mental health and how to support people that may be suffering from poor mental health.Courses will run on 8 and 9 September in Murrarie, Brisbane and are being run via Steering Healthy Minds – a collaboration by the Transport Industry Mental Health Initiative. The initiative is one of several programs funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Commonwealth Government.> For more information and to register interest to participate in a course, please email peers@steeringhealthyminds.com.auNew notice delivers efficiencies for SPV accessOperators of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which include cranes and concrete pumps, will have red tape cut under two new NHVR notices.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 had been developed after extensive consultation with industry and would provide significant productivity benefits by reducing cross-border differences.“This new notice makes it easier for eligible SPVs to access networks by standardising maximum dimensions across the five participating states and territories,” Sal said.> Read more about the SPV notice hereNHVR supports accredited operators during COVID-19 restrictionsThe NHVR has re-instated temporary changes to the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) driver medical and audit requirements, to support industry during the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.The practical changes would be made to the scheme’s medical and audit requirements to meet the operational and health needs of accredited operators.> To read more on the changes, click here NHVR welcomes new Bus Industry Confederation Executive DirectorThe NHVR has welcomed the appointment of Roz Chivers as Executive Director of the Australian Bus Industry Confederation (BIC).NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said Ms Chivers’ knowledge of national policy and her track record in collaboration between industry and government would be welcomed in the heavy vehicle industry.> For the full statement, click hereSeatbelt and mobile phone detection cameras in QueenslandFixed and portable cameras to detect drivers using mobile phones illegally and failing to wear a seatbelt are now live across Queensland.The Queensland Government and state police are reminding motorists that using mobile phones illegally or failing to wear a seatbelt can contribute significantly to the number of lives lost and serious injuries on Queensland roads each year.> To learn more about the detection cameras, click here
ON THE ROAD Issue 121
on 2021-09-25 00:02:34
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 121 | 10 August 2021Collaboration is a key factor when it comes to driving improvements for the heavy vehicle industry and over the last fortnight, we’ve continued to work closely with government and industry to progress some important safety and productivity outcomes.I’m delighted that our ongoing collaboration has led to an agreement of the NHVR’s proposal for PBS vehicles to use a broader range of tyres. The decision will lead to improved safety and efficiency for the entire industry and I hope it will increase take-up of higher productivity vehicles in the future.Likewise, the work between the NHVR, transport agencies and the industry has led to workable outcomes for operators looking to meet COVID-19 testing, permit and safety requirements. There have been challenges along the way, but I’ve been proud of the willingness of all parties to find solutions and keep vital freight routes operating.As COVID-19 border and testing requirements change, we’ll continue to liaise with governments to provide up-to-date information for industry. For the latest information on testing sites and more, please visit the NHVR’s COVID-19 Support Map, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus and keep an eye on our social media.Stay safe.Sal, CEOProductivity Plan one year onIt’s a year since the NHVR released the Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan, with 30 projects commenced or completed.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the NHVR worked with customers and stakeholders to develop the strategic document.“The plan focuses on increased road network access by reducing the need for permits, developing streamlined and practical systems, and recognising advancements in technology,” Mr Petroccitto said.> Check out our column in Big Rigs to read moreGood news for PBS vehicle tyresPerformance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles will soon be able to use a broader range of tyres, encouraging the take-up of safer, more-productive vehicles in the Australian heavy vehicle fleet.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the recent Infrastructure Transport Ministers’ Meeting supported the NHVR’s leadership in reforming the PBS scheme to enable a new standardised tyre approach using a set of tyre properties and data for PBS assessments.“This decision will allow us to streamline the current approach, which requires vehicles in the PBS scheme to have their on-road performance assessed using specific tyre types and brands,” Mr Petroccitto said.> Read more about the PBS tyres announcement hereNHVR welcomes appointment of new ALC CEOThe NHVR has welcomed the appointment of Brad Williams as CEO of the Australian Logistics Council (ALC).NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said Mr Williams’ knowledge of transport policy and reform will help forge a safer, more productive industry.“On behalf of the NHVR I congratulate Brad on his appointment,” Mr Petroccitto said.“It’s important that the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain continues to work together to drive improved safety and productivity outcomes and Brad and the ALC will play a crucial task in strengthening and being a strong advocate for the transport and logistics sector.”> To read the full statement, click hereHigher Mass Limits permitted in the ACTEligible heavy vehicles can now operate at Higher Mass Limits (HML) on authorised routes in the ACT.The Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2021, which comes into effect today, is the result of a review of HML access by the NHVR and Traffic Management and Safety, Roads ACT to boost productivity benefits for heavy vehicle operators.The Declaration replaces the Australian Capital Territory Class 3 Mass Management Accreditation Exemption Notice 2019, although vehicles can continue to operate under this until it’s revoked on 7 September 2021.To operate under the new Declaration, eligible vehicles must be fitted with certified road friendly suspension. Eligible vehicles are listed in the Operator’s Guide to the Declaration. Excluded vehicles include rigid combinations, including car carriers, and vehicles equipped with a tri-axle drive group.Authorised routes are shown on a new digital map produced by Traffic Management and Safety, Roads ACT. Heavy vehicle safety a focus for primary producersGrain harvest is just around the corner and the NHVR’s focus will again be on heavy vehicle safety on local freight routes.The NHVR recently met with grain industry groups, Transport for NSW and Transport and Main Roads (Queensland) to discuss heavy vehicle safety for the up-coming harvest. Whether you’re a primary producer that owns or contracts heavy vehicle service or a receiver make heavy vehicle safety a focus ahead of this season.Keep an eye out for more information in the weeks ahead.Free Chain of Responsibility workshops for farmersPeak grains representative body GrainGrowers has partnered with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to host free workshops to help farmers better understand their role under Chain of Responsibility (COR) laws.The COR workshops have been funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.“The NHVR’s number one priority is the safety of everyone in the heavy vehicle supply chain,” NHVR Sal Petroccitto said.“Projects like the COR workshops for farmers help improve safety for the entire industry - whether that’s at the farm, in the warehouse or on the road.”> Places are limited and registration is essential. You can secure your spot hereNSW Farm Gate Network now available on interactive mapThe Farm Gate Network is now available as a layer on the NSW Livestock Loading Scheme interactive map.Operators travelling under the Farm Gate Access project can use this map to plan their journeys through the six participating Farm Gate Access councils.Farm Gate Access is a heavy vehicle initiative introduced in several participating councils in NSW. The initiative has been developed jointly by Transport for NSW, local councils and industry and introduces conditional area-wide access for Higher Productivity Vehicles transporting grain and livestock on local roads in participating council areas.> To view the interactive map, click hereNew eLearning module for granting heavy vehicle accessThe NHVR has developed an eLearning module to help road managers and industry understand the process of granting heavy vehicle access under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).The Approved Guidelines for Granting Access module contains high-level guidance on aspects of heavy vehicle access decision making under HVNL. > For more information and to access the eLearning module, click here
ON THE ROAD Issue 120
on 2021-08-01 02:32:20
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 120| 27 July 2021This week, I’m pleased to release the NHVR’s 2021-2024 Corporate Plan.The plan outlines our objectives for the next three years as well as the key safety and productivity initiatives we’ve committed to delivering over the coming 12 months.There are some important projects in the pipeline and I look forward to working collaboratively to deliver the plan and ensure growth and success for our industry in the years ahead.Elsewhere, our prosecutions team continues to work with other law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to educate and enhance safety on our roads. Recently, the NHVR, working alongside South Australia Police, charged two operators with offences relating to illegal engine remapping.It’s important that with an increase number of heavy vehicles on roads, everyone is aware of their responsibilities and obeys the law.I wish you all a safe week ahead and please remember to regularly check our COVID-19 webpage for the latest information on border and testing requirements.Sal, CEONHVR prosecutes multiple engine remapping chargesThe NHVR has charged two South Australian operators with offences relating to illegal engine remapping.An investigation conducted by South Australia Police (SAPOL) Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit (HVEU) found a South Australian produce company had remapped the engines of four heavy vehicles to disable the vehicles’ emission limits.> Read more about these charges hereRevised NHVAS Business Rules and StandardsThe NHVR has approved a minor wording change to Standard 4 of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) allowing operators to use alternative documents to record the completion of an annual vehicle inspection.> For more information about the NHVAS Business Rules and Standards, click hereSign up for Recovery Partners health and safety webinarMembers of the heavy vehicle industry are invited to attend a free webinar hosted by Recovery Partners where NHVR Manager Safety, Policy and Research Amanda Capper and other industry stakeholders will discuss workplace health and safety issues in the transport industry.Amanda will highlight the findings from the Industry Safety Survey 2020 and update stakeholders on how safety is being implemented in heavy vehicle transport activities across different industry groups.Other speakers include Naomi Frauenfelder (CEO, Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds) and Melissa Strong (Manager of Safety, People and Communications at Lindsay Australia).The webinar will be held on Wednesday 28 July from 12-1pm AEST.> To register your interest, click hereRoad Design for Heavy Vehicles eventsSafe System Solutions Pty Ltd, with support from the Australian Trucking Association, is offering a practical training course for anyone working in road design.The Road Design for Heavy Vehicles course is free, with topics including characteristics of heavy vehicles, design principles and elements, common safety issues and treatments and Austroads guidance on designing roads for heavy vehicles.Workshops are planned to be held in the following locations:Adelaide – 25 August, 9:00amHobart – 2 September, 9:0amSydney – 13 October, 9:00amCanberra – 15 October, 9:00amBrisbane – 26 October, 9:00amThe workshops are funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.> For full details and to register your interest to attend, click hereCOVID-19 updateReaders of On the Road would have received a dedicated COVID-19 newsletter last week with the latest updates and advice for the heavy vehicle industry. If you missed the newsletter, you can read it here.You can also stay up to date with border and testing requirements on our dedicated COVID-19 webpage.Invitation to attend road asset assessment webinarsThe NHVR is running a series of webinars on the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP). The webinars are free to attend and are aimed at providing additional information on the next round of funding and plans for increased asset assessment.> Road managers are invited to register their interest for the sessions hereHave 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 119
on 2021-08-01 02:30:52
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 119 | 22 July 2021 | Coronavirus Special Edition Message from the CEOIt continues to be a challenging time for the heavy vehicle industry, whether you’re a driver, an operator or part of the supply chain.The NHVR is continuing to work with governments and industry to provide clear advice and coordinated information on the current round of changes to interstate and in some cases intra-state travel, which are being rolled out to meet the health requirements in each state.Despite the challenges, personally I’ve never been prouder to have been involved in an industry that has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and remain resilient in the face of the on-going changes brought about in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.I believe that sentiment is echoed by many Australians who recognise the difficulty of the operating environment and are grateful for the efforts to continue to operate and underpin Australia’s economy.Sal, CEOTesting, passes and exemptionsA summary of the COVID-19 testing and border pass requirements for heavy vehicles is below. For specific details on the requirements for each state and territory, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusUpdates will also be shared on NHVR’s Facebook and Twitter pages.Australian Capital TerritoryIs a border pass required? NoIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? No, but it is recommendedNew South WalesIs a border pass required? YesIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? YesNorthern TerritoryIs a border pass required? YesIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? YesQueenslandIs a border pass required? YesIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? YesSouth AustraliaIs a border pass required? YesIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? YesTasmaniaIs a border pass required? YesIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? YesVictoriaIs a border pass required? YesIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? YesWestern AustraliaIs a border pass required? YesIs a mandatory COVID-19 test required? YesTake the time to take the testAll heavy vehicle drivers operating under Standard hours, BFM or AFM are reminded that taking a COVID test is a permitted personal activity under the National Personal Use Exemption Notices.The exemption recognises that heavy vehicle drivers may need to use their fatigue-regulated heavy vehicle for personal reasons from time to time if they cannot reasonably access alternative means of transport.These notices allow a driver up to one additional hour of time to complete permitted personal activities if the vehicle is unloaded and certain conditions are met. The exemption only applies to activities at either end of a shift, or at any time during a 24-hour break.> For full details and to check your eligibility to apply and use an Exemption Notice, click here> For information on Personal Use Exemption Notices for Standard hours, click here> For information on Personal Use Exemption Notices for AFM and BFM hours, click hereCOVID-safe toolbox talk kitA COVID-19 toolbox talk kit is available to assist staff as part of your Safety Management System.The toolbox talk kit includes a series of quick guides, videos, checklists and templates as part of the NHVR’s wider suite of Safety Management System guidance materials for industry use. The toolbox talk information focusses on COVID safety associated with heavy vehicles, workplaces, general hygiene – including wearing face masks – and positive mental health actions.NHVR Safety Assurance Director Greg Fill said all transport operators should continue to have safety conversations with their staff and drivers to reduce the risk of transmission within their workplace, including when handling freight or interacting with other parties in the supply chain.“Toolbox talks between management and staff are one of the easiest and most effective ways to share important safety information and reinforce responsibility for everyone’s safety,” Greg said.“The NHVR’s materials can be easily modified to include company information such as logos and additional topics that are specific to businesses. This could include how to report safety incidents and what to do if staff are sick or notice symptoms.”> Click here to access the COVID-19 toolbox videos, templates, quick guides and checklistsHeavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line ready to assistThe NHVR is reminding drivers that the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL) is ready to assist with reporting safety issues across the Chain of Responsibility.NHVR Safety Assurance Director Greg Fill said the current changes in operating conditions due to COVID-19 had increased the likelihood of stress on drivers and operators.“This has been a challenging time for our industry, but we don’t want it to worsen by people putting others in danger,” Greg said.“The HVCRL team are ready and willing to assist with resolving safety issues across the supply chain, such as inappropriate or undue pressure at the depot, the distribution centre or the drop-off point.“The pressure is being compounded by additional requirements around borders, as well as hygiene and mask-wearing requirements that drivers are having to manage.“Now more than ever, it’s critical that all businesses follow the rules to keep our industry safe and Australia moving.”Operators or drivers concerned about being asked to sign or perform a contract that is in breach of Chain of Responsibility laws should contact the NHVR’s Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785.The Heavy Vehicle National Law:Imposes a positive obligation on any party in the Chain of Responsibility to ensure their conduct doesn’t encourage the driver of a heavy vehicle to contravene the law, and;Specifically prohibits those parties from requiring or entering into a contract with a driver that would encourage the driver to speed, work while fatigued or drive in breach of the driver’s work and rest hours options.> Click here for the latest information from the NHVR, relating to COVID-19Have 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.
ON THE ROAD Issue 118
on 2021-07-17 08:00:04
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 118 | 15 July 2021Our farmers and the agricultural sector are vital to the success of Australia. Every week, thousands of drivers and heavy vehicles safely access more than 85,000 agricultural businesses and in doing so, maintain supply chains across the country and the world.I’m proud to say that safety is always front of mind for our farmers, and this was evident at the annual Livestock and Rural Transporters Association South Australia conference I attended recently, where I had the opportunity to speak with many of the hard-working members of the industry.As we join together to celebrate National Farm Safety Week (18- 24 July) we’ll continue to work with the sector to ensure the safety of its workers while improving productivity for operators. This week, members of our Stakeholder Engagement team have been in regional Queensland, meeting with truck drivers and answering questions. I encourage you to keep an eye out for upcoming truck driver info days and stop in for a chat with the team.As we move into the second half of the year, my thoughts remain with those who continue to grapple with changes to their operating conditions due to the impacts of COVID-19. Please stay up to day with the latest information at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusSal, CEOStay up to date with COVID-19 travel restrictionsThe Victorian Government has applied a hard border with NSW, which means NSW and the ACT have been declared a red zone.Essential freight workers are classified as specific workers and will be permitted entry.For the latest information on changes to cross border requirements, links to permits, and testing facilities visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusChanges to Agricultural Vehicle and Combination NoticesA reminder to operators that 10 agricultural notices across Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania will be revoked by 2 August. If you have a permit that refers to one of these notices, please check it to make sure it’s still valid. You’ll have to apply for a new permit if your:existing permit doesn’t cover the full journey; orexisting permit refers to a revoked notice; orcombination doesn’t comply with the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice.> For more information about changes to the agricultural notices, click hereFunding boost to give heavy vehicles better access to road networksThe heavy vehicle industry has received a $12.1 million Federal Government funding boost, aimed at delivering better assessment of road assets across rural and regional Australia, as part of the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP).NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto welcomed the additional funding, noting the tangible value already provided by the first round of SLGAAP funding.“This additional funding builds on the critical work already rolling out across regions, supporting industry and making our communities safer,” Sal said.> To read more about the latest SLGAAP funding, click hereNHVR and Health in Gear Truck Driver Information DaysThe NHVR and Health in Gear have been in regional Queensland this week, hosting free “Truckie Tune Up” health checks and information days in Goondiwindi and Roma.Truck drivers in the areas were able to get a confidential health check with a Health in Gear nurse and support worker, who provided information, support, and referrals, and the opportunity for a follow-up call. Members of the NHVR stakeholder Engagement team were also available on-site to answer questions and help with any applications and service queries.For those in the Roma area, the NHVR and Health in Gear team will be at the United Roma and Pie Face (44589 Warrego Highway, Roma) through to 10:00pm this evening (Thursday 15 July).Fatigue Management TipsFollowing on from our recent round of Fatigue Management Tips, we’ve included some additional questions and tips regarding local area work record keeping that may be of use.> Click here to read the local area work record keeping tipsHave 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.