NHVR (73)
ON THE ROAD Issue 117
on 2021-06-30 03:56:28
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 117 | 29 June 2021As we approach the half-way mark of what has been another challenging year, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve achieved as an industry and the opportunities that are ahead of us.I’m immediately drawn to the strong safety and productivity performance that everyone has displayed as we’ve continued to navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19.I’m proud to be part of an industry that has played an integral role in keeping Australia connected during tough times and I’m committed to playing our part in helping shape a positive future.At the same time, we are thinking about our partners and colleagues throughout Australia who are still impacted by recent COVID-19 outbreaks. We’re thinking of you and we are grateful for the support that you continue to deliver for the heavy vehicle industry.As we move into the second half of the year, there’s a lot more to deliver as part of our Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan. In the past year, we’ve undertaken or delivered at least 30 projects. Whether that’s supporting local governments to assess their heavy vehicle infrastructure assets or new notices, we’re looking to resolve the productivity issues you have raised.Underpinning all of this work is improving safety outcomes for everyone in the industry, and I’m particularly motivated by the feedback we received on our draft Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy. Like the Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan, it will be an important focus in the years ahead.I look forward to continuing to work together as Australia gathers momentum during the second half of 2021.Sal, CEOCOVID-19 updateThe renewed outbreak of COVID-19 in NSW, QLD, NT and WA has prompted changes to border requirements across the Australia.We are urging everyone in the heavy vehicle industry to keep up to date with the latest information for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus, or on our Facebook and Twitter pages.It's important to follow the advice at all times, in order to keep you and others around you as safe as possible.We’ll continue to work with governments to provide the most accurate and timely information and will endeavour to keep you informed as things evolve.New livestock effluent disposal pitA new livestock effluent disposal pit was opened this week at the Mount Gambier and District Saleyards. The facility is expected to benefit the local livestock production chain and it’s hoped that similar sites can be rolled out to other locations across the country in the future.The pit was a joint initiative of the Australians Livestock and Rural Transporters Association and the District Council of Grant. Funding for the initiative was delivered by the Federal Government and administered via the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the HVSI had so far allocated $22.8 million through 89 separate grants over the past five years.“These grants enable the NHVR, industry and government to deliver innovative solutions for local communities,” Mr Petroccitto said.> For more information on the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsiNational Transport Commission researchThe National Transport Commission (NTC) is conducting research into the requirements and use of escape respirators in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7.7.Currently – as detailed in Table 12.2 of the code – an air supplied short term breathing apparatus suitable for escape purposes must be readily available in the cabin of road vehicles transporting placard loads of dangerous goods containing any:division 2.3 (toxic gases)division 6.1 (toxic substances)class 8 (corrosives).Vehicle owners are invited to undertake a short, five-minute survey at https://bit.ly/35DYgF0The data gathered will help inform the NTC’s comprehensive review of the code.Information gathered through this survey will be aggregated and no personal information will be shared.Last chance to provide feedback on NHVR codes of practice programThe consultation process to provide feedback on the NHVR’s codes of practice program – guidelines for preparing and registering industry codes of practice – will close on Friday 2 July 2021.Registered codes of practice can provide valuable guidance to people in the heavy vehicle industry to help them manage the safety of their transport activities.> To provide feedback, click hereRegional New South Wales load restraint tour a successMore than 100 local farmers attended a series of load restraint sessions recently across locations in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas.The practical load restraint information sessions featured displays, case studies, ‘how to’ videos and presentations from NSW Police, Transport for NSW Heavy Vehicle Inspectors, Safework NSW and NSW Health’s Rural Mental Health Adversity Program.The sessions were part of the Councils’ current Load Restraint Education Project, promoting the safe transportation of hay bales, machinery and general freight.An additional 1,000 load restraint packs will be shared amongst local rural supply stores across the Councils’ in the coming weeks, each containing a Load Restraint Guide, fact sheet, links to project videos and other useful information.The project is funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.Take this quiz to test your load restraint knowledge and you could win $500 worth of load restraint equipment.Asset assessment program webinarsThe Federal Government has extended funding for the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP), with the NHVR working in partnership with road managers to assess up to 1,000 assets over the coming three years.The project commenced in late 2019 with the Government committing $7.96 million in grant funding over two years. In that time, more than 300 assets were assessed, involving 74 road managers.To support road managers in undertaking heavy vehicle assessments of their bridge and culvert assets, the NHVR will be running a series of SLGAAP webinars for local government road managers to attend and find out additional information on the project.There are nine webinars scheduled as part of the series, with the first taking place next Tuesday, 6 July.>Road Managers are invited to RSVP to any or all of the series by clicking here and can get in touch with the NHVR on roadassetproject@NHVR.gov.auReport road hazardsA reminder that if you come across a road hazard or incident while on the road – including issues with heavy vehicles that clip overhanging trees – you should contact the relevant road authority in your state or territory. Below are contact numbers if you need to report an incident:South Australia: Department for Infrastructure and Transport – 1800 018 313New South Wales: Service New South Wales – 13 17 00Queensland: Department of Transport and Main Roads – 13 19 40Victoria: VicRoads – 13 11 70Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra – 13 22 81Tasmania: Department of State Growth – 1300 139 933Have 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.
ON THE ROAD Issue 116
on 2021-06-20 07:09:25
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 116 | 15 June 2021In my seven years as CEO of the NHVR, the industry has placed health and safety as a top priority – but occasionally, unsafe and illegal practices need to be called out.Last week, the NHVR announced a new campaign aimed at increasing education amongst the industry and general community on illegal engine remapping. I encourage you to read more about the campaign as part of this edition of On The Road and I thank you in advance for your support of the messages and momentum to stop illegal engine remapping in its tracks.Last week, National Transport Insurance (NTI) released their latest findings into the cause of major crashes involving heavy vehicles and overall, the results were trending in the right direction.NTI’s National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) recorded that while there were more trucks and freight on our roads over the past year, there were fewer crashes and lower fatigue levels than in previous years. It’s a great outcome for the industry and with ongoing education and awareness around topics such as illegal remapping, we’ll see more heavy vehicles travelling safely and arriving safely.Sal, CEONHVR launches safety education campaign targeting illegal engine remappingA new education campaign by the NHVR will highlight the health and safety risks caused by illegal engine remapping.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the campaign was an opportunity to work collaboratively with the heavy vehicle industry to remove engine remapping and improve safety.“The NHVR’s highest priority is safety and we’ll continue to focus on compliance while delivering education and awareness through campaigns like the engine remapping campaign,” Mr Petroccitto said.> Read more about the campaign hereNTI release national report Data from NTI’s NTARC Major Accident Investigation Report has found that more heavy vehicles and freight moved around Australia in the past year, with fewer crashes and lower level of fatigue recorded.The NHVR and NTI share a collaborative partnership with the aim of delivering greater safety outcomes across the industry and I thank them for their continued research produced annually.> Read more on the findings here NHVR codes of practice programA reminder that feedback is being sought on the NHVR’s codes of practice program – guidelines for preparing and registering industry codes of practice.Registered codes of practice can provide valuable guidance to people in the heavy vehicle industry to help them manage the safety of their transport activities.The consultation and feedback process are now open and close on Friday 2 July 2021.> To provide feedback, click hereFees and HVNL fines to increase from 1 JulyNHVR access fees will increase by $1 from Thursday, July 1, 2021. Fees will also increase for National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme modules. These increases are in line with CPI as prescribed under the Heavy Vehicle (General) National Regulation.Heavy Vehicle National Law penalties and fines will also increase in line with CPI.> Click here for the new NHVR fee schedule> Click here for the new HVNL penalty and fines scheduleFatigue Management TipsManaging fatigue, particularly within the heavy vehicle industry, is crucial to the success and safety of every road user involved. The NHVR receives and answers thousands of questions from calls with drivers each year and we’ve included a few of the more common questions that may be of interest.> Click here to check out the tipsFeedback sought on new online operators guide for noticesThe NHVR is seeking feedback on a trial to release online operators guides based on the recent release of the National Road Train Prime Mover Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021.Your feedback and suggestions will help inform whether the NHVR transitions to an online format for current and future operators guides plus will be used to direct further improvements.> Provide feedback on the online operators guideHave 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.
ON THE ROAD Issue 115
on 2021-06-20 07:06:00
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 115 | 1 June 2021This week, we’re thinking of everyone in Victoria as they grapple with another COVID-19 lockdown.One thing we’ve learned over the last 12+ months is this pandemic is unpredictable. I want to thank the many drivers, logistics workers and warehouse teams who continue to pivot and ensure supplies move freely throughout the country.As our industry tackles the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we’ll continue to do everything we can as a regulator to ease pressure on the road networks and improve productivity while ensuring everyone’s safety.Today we announced the commencement of a new national Notice for Road Train Prime Movers, which will open up road access across the country, improve fatigue management for drivers, and increase the efficiency of the heavy vehicle fleet. We encourage you to provide feedback on the new online operator’s guide, designed to make the Notice simple and easy to use.And last week we released a joint report with CILTA and NTARC, which shows the huge safety and productivity outcomes we’re seeing from the 12,000 PBS-approved combinations operating on our roads. You can read more about the report in this edition of On the Road.I’m extremely proud to be part of such a resilient industry that continues to deliver in difficult times. I encourage you to take particular care of your health, safety and wellbeing this week, and check in with your industry colleagues no matter where you’re based.Sal, CEONew Notice delivers smarter and safer road train transportA new Notice for Road Train Prime Movers will ease pressure on the road network, improve fatigue management and increase the efficiency of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.The National Road Train Prime Mover Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 will come into effect from 1 June 2021 and will apply to all states and territories participating in the Heavy Vehicle National Law, except Tasmania.> For further information and to review the Notice and new online operator’s guide, click hereReport reveals PBS vehicles involved in fewer major crashesA joint report from the NHVR, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) and the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has revealed Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles are involved in 60 per cent fewer major crashes than conventional vehicles.This is a significant improvement on the results in a 2018 report which found 46 per cent fewer major crashes compared to the conventional fleet. PBS vehicles are also forecast to save 143 lives over 20 years.> Read more about the PBS report hereInput sought into NHVR codes of practice programThe NHVR has released a discussion paper to seek public feedback on its codes of practice program and suggestions for improvements to its Guidelines for Preparing and Registering Industry Codes of Practice.Registered codes of practice can provide valuable guidance to people in the heavy vehicle industry to help them manage the safety of their transport activities.The consultation period starts today and closes on Friday 2 July 2021.> Click here for more about the codes of practice consultationFree training program for new truck driversA free online training program is now available for new heavy vehicle drivers to help them better understand their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.Developed by Shift Training, the 4 Points of Contact course will train and assess participants in fatigue management, vehicle inspection, load restraint and chain of responsibility.The course was funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), with support from the Federal Government.> Click here to learn more and registerNew online safety hub launchedA new online safety hub has been unveiled by Australia’s leading transport and logistics specialist insurer, NTI, to support the growth and development of the industry.The Better Business Hub helps protect Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet, transport operators and drivers by providing interactive, downloadable, applicable tools and resources to support them in their day-to-day activities.> Read more and download the Better Business Hub resources herePilot and escort driver certification reminderHave you checked if your pilot or escort vehicle driver certification is still valid?Pilots and escort drivers are required to maintain a valid license or certification, specified by your state or territory. If you are a pilot or escort driver working interstate, it’s also important you understand how your license or certification is mutually recognised.While the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) does not regulate pilot and escort certification, the NHVR can issue an infringement notice to the driver of an oversize vehicle for not complying with the conditions of the permit, such as a certified pilot or escort.The NHVR has released an updated information sheet, which gives you an overview of the current pilot and escort requirements for your jurisdiction.> Click here to download the information sheetHave your say in new workplace psychological safety surveyHealthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHST) is asking all organisations in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries to complete a short online Workplace Psychological Safety Index (WPSI) survey.Your participation in the survey will help inform how HHTS will support the psychological and physical health, wellbeing and safety of everyone in the heavy vehicle industry.> Click here to start the surveyHave 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.
ON THE ROAD Issue 114
on 2021-05-19 23:56:33
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 114 | 19 May 2021Thank you to all the drivers, operators and industry stakeholders who dropped by the NHVR stands at the Brisbane Truck Show last week. Forums such as the show always provide a great opportunity to discuss future initiatives and hear your thoughts on how we can continue to work together to drive safety and productivity improvements for our industry.This week, we turn our attention to National Road Safety Week and helping promote an important message about prioritising safety on our roads.The NHVR’s highest priority is ensuring everyone in our industry has a safe working environment, particularly truck drivers who are out on the roads every day. We’re committed to making safety improvements for the industry, as well as educating the general public on sharing the road safely with heavy vehicles through our We Need Space campaign.This National Road Safety Week, I encourage you to take the pledge and reflect on how we can all play a role in making our roads safer for everyone.And keep an eye on our social media platforms for some important safety messages to share with your family and friends.Stay safe.Sal, CEOHeavy Vehicle Fire Safety Program launchedThe ARTSA Institute has launched its Truck Fire Safety Program, which is aimed at reducing the number and frequency of heavy vehicle fires in Australia.The program includes four manuals and six videos to help drivers, maintenance staff, fire investigators and transport managers identify and mitigate fire risks.It was funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government and developed with the National Bulk Tanker Association and Truck Industry Council.> Read more hereKynection Electronic Work Diary approved for useThe NHVR has approved Quallogi by Kynection as a fifth Electronic Work Diary (EWD) option for heavy vehicle drivers.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto confirmed the Quallogi EWD would be available for use as an official record from 25 May.> For more details, click hereHealthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds launches national mental health and wellbeing roadmapThe Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) Foundation has launched a free National Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadmap for the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries.The strategy has been created by industry for industry and provides a unified plan for improving mental health and wellbeing across the sector.“The heavy vehicle industry is extremely resilient, but we need to continue to work together across the whole supply chain to ensure our workers feel supported and know they’re being heard when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said.> To find out more about the Roadmap, click hereSpecial Purpose Vehicle access in Brisbane tunnels – derestriction updateThe NHVR, Transport and Main Roads, Transurban and Brisbane City Council, in conjunction with the Crane Industry Council of Australia, Concrete Pumping Association of Australia and Australian Drilling Industry Association, have reviewed access restrictions for Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in South East Queensland.Under the renewed National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice 2021 released on 5 May, SPVs can now access the Clem 7, Airport Link and Legacy Way tunnels as part of the approved network, provided they meet all the requirements of the Notice and specified dimension limits.The Queensland Access Conditions Guide has been updated to include the access conditions contained in the Queensland Schedule of the Notice.> For further information and to review the update, click hereNHVR files charges against Queensland mining companyThe National Heavy Vehicle Industry (NHVR) has filed primary duty charges against the Directors of a Queensland mining company which was operating as a prime contractor of drivers of heavy vehicle combinations.The NHVR initiated an investigation following a fatality that occurred in May 2019 involving a heavy vehicle rolling on an incline.The NHVR will allege that the Directors failed to exercise due diligence to ensure the company fulfilled its duty under section 26C of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), with the matter listed for a first mention in the Biloela Magistrates’ Court on 30 June 2021.NHVR accepts Enforceable UndertakingThe NHVR has accepted an Enforceable Undertaking (on behalf of Transport for New South Wales) from YF Water Services Pty Ltd, in line with section 590A of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). YF Waste proposed the Enforceable Undertaking following failure to comply with mass weight requirements.The proposal consists of enhanced driver education and training, with an aim of leading to improved compliance in the future. The Enforceable Undertaking has a minimum expenditure of $18,000.Vehicle Standards SPV notice for consultationThe NHVR has opened consultation on the National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Special Purpose Vehicles) Exemption Notice 2021 (No.1).An extensive review of the existing notice has been conducted, with the revised notice introducing more flexible definitions that can be applied to a wider variety of vehicles.Submissions are now open and will close on Tuesday 1 June . 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 113
on 2021-05-07 02:33:53
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 113 | 5 May 2021The Brisbane Truck Show is just around the corner and I’m looking forward to catching up with our customers throughout the show on 13 – 16 May.It’s always a great opportunity to hear from everyone across the industry and learn about what is working well and what improvements we can make to support a safer and more productive industry.We’ll have representatives from our Access, Performance Based Standards, Fatigue and Accreditation teams at stall 106, so I encourage you to drop by for a chat. You can also visit us at the Civil Construction Field Days event at Hamilton.Across the four days, we’ll be hosting one-on-one Fatigue Choices sessions to help operators understand the flexibility available to help manage fatigue safety risks. If you’d like to take part in a session, you can book in here, or simply visit our stall.Another stall – and trailer – to keep an eye out for involves one of our latest campaigns – We Need Space To Keep You Safe. We’re proud to have Coles and its supply chain partners on board with We Need Space to help spread the campaign’s important safety messages to all road users.It's going to be another great show – see you there!Sal, CEONHVR partners with Coles to deliver We Need Space campaignThe NHVR has partnered with Coles and its supply chain partners Toll and Linfox, to educate road users about sharing the road safely with heavy vehicles.The We Need Space to Keep You Safe campaign, fronted by V8 Supercars Champion Garth Tander and Toll and Linfox drivers, includes a range of educational resources that will roll out through driver education programs across the country.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto welcomed the partnership with Coles and said We Need Space was a great example of the regulator, business and government working together in the interest of road safety.Read the full media release hereTo view the campaign and resources visit www.weneedspace.com.auProject ensures safer loads on regional roadsA new safety campaign has been launched to reduce the number of dangerously loaded trucks operating on regional roads.The Load Restraint Public Education Campaign initiated by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils includes new ‘how to’ load restraint videos and factsheets, as well as a social media awareness campaign and a series of load restraint information sessions across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.> To read more and access the campaign resources, click here.NHVR files charges against national transport companyThe NHVR has filed charges against a national transport company and its executive, following a nine-month investigation into the company’s business practices.The NHVR initiated the investigation following multiple vehicle collisions and Safe-T-Cam footage that identified breaches relating to the transport company.> Click here for the full storyEducation a focus in NHVR prosecutionThe NHVR has highlighted the importance of ongoing heavy vehicle safety education within the industry following its first successful Supervisory Intervention Order (SIO) in Victoria.The matter related to the intercept of a heavy vehicle in March 2020 where the driver failed to comply with loading and dimension requirements under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.Given the seriousness of the incident, the Magistrate issued a fine and granted an SIO for the driver to complete a load restraint course within 12 months.> Read the full storyForestry Log Haulage Code of Practice consultation openThe NHVR has opened consultation on the Draft Forestry Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice.The draft code identifies the risks associated with loading and transporting logs, and describes equipment, procedures, training, and other methods to eliminate or minimise those risks. It includes recommendations for the minimum restraint requirements for different types of logs in different loading scenarios.Submissions are now open and will close on Friday 28 May 2021. Click here for more information.Safer Freight Vehicles – Discussion paperThe Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications has released the Safer Freight Vehicles discussion paper for feedback.The paper relates to key actions in the NHVR’s Vehicle Safety and Environmental Technology Uptake Plan (Vehicle SETUP) released in 2020. It identifies possible changes to the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) to facilitate an increased take-up of safer, more-efficient heavy freight vehicles in Australia.The Department is inviting public feedback on the proposed changes by 30 June 2021. Click here for more information or to make a submission by 30 June 2021.Class 3 Livestock Vehicle PermitsFarmers are starting to reap the benefits of the removal of the requirement for Class 3 livestock mass exemption permits to include registration numbers, which took effect in December last year.> Click here for the full storyHave 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.