NHVR (73)
ON THE ROAD Issue 101
on 2020-12-01 07:30:34
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 101 | 1 December 2020 Message from the CEOThe era of Electronic Work Diaries (EWDs), which begins today, will coincide with the NHVR’s increased focus on fatigue in the lead-up to Christmas 2020.Step Global’s Smart eDriver and Teletrac Navman’s Sentinel system were both approved having met the strict requirements to provide an alternative to the Written Work Diary.In addition to the rollout of EWDs, we will continue our fatigue information campaigns and fatigue will be a focus of our compliance activities in the coming weeks.As we head into the busy Christmas period, many operators are reporting an increased freight load, which will be a boost after a difficult year.Please take the time to ensure your safety systems are robust and drivers are getting the required rest and take care on the road in the lead-up to Christmas.SalRecord funding call for heavy vehicle safety programsSubmissions are now open for Round 6 of the NHVR Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).The program, supported by the Federal Government, will provide a record $5.55 million to back submissions from community and industry groups to improve heavy vehicle safety on Australian roads.The NHVR has suggested that submissions address one of three themes – Safer drivers, Safer vehicles and Safer road use – to align with state, territory and Commonwealth road safety plans. Projects must be implementable, commence in the 2021-22 financial year and be completed by 30 June 2024.For more information or to view the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative 2021-22 Submission Guidelines, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi> Click here to read the full joint statementSafety survey sector breakdowns releasedThe NHVR has released additional results from the NHVR Heavy Vehicle Industry Safety Survey 2020, which was conducted earlier this year.The analysis shows the results for different sectors, including Construction and Landscaping, Primary Producers, Sub-contractor drivers, General Freight and Owner Drivers.> For more information on the survey results and industry sector breakdown visit www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-surveyAg operator’s guide supports key industry reformsAmendments to brake performance testing as an alternative to existing requirements and providing an alternative to Queensland roadside signage requirements, are two key reforms in the new National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide.The Guide, which is supported by the Notice and Agricultural Heavy Vehicle Zone Maps, exempts eligible agricultural vehicles and combinations from certain mass and dimension requirements.The NHVR thanks road managers and agricultural groups for undertaking a significant round of consultation to assist the NHVR in developing the Guide, along with maps and Notices.> Click here for more information about the Ag operator's guideChristmas/New Year travel restrictionsRoad managers have advised the NHVR of some disruption to services for certain Class 1 heavy vehicles over the Christmas and New Year period.For vehicles operating under a permit, operators should check the permit conditions to establish whether Christmas or public holiday travel restrictions are listed or are referenced in related notices.All heavy vehicles are subject to conditions of access under their relevant notice or permit.> Click here for the latest information about holiday accessStay up to date with freight border crossing changesThe NHVR is continuing to coordinate information from state and federal authorities for essential travellers, including anyone moving freight.As borders re-open, stay up to date with the latest information about the ongoing requirements and heavy vehicle-friendly testing sites.> Click here for more information about COVID accessGet in touch1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487)www.nhvr.gov.auConnect with us on social media
ON THE ROAD Issue 100
on 2020-11-16 08:41:32
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
16 November 2020 Fatigue affects us all, and is a key safety challenge for heavy vehicle drivers and operators.Experts tell us that if you’ve had less than five hours of sleep in the last 24 hours, it’s likely that you’re impaired by fatigue.Last week, we announced the conditional approval of the first Australian Electronic Work Diaries – the next step forward in safe, productive fatigue regulation.For National Road Safety Week, we’ll be continuing our focus on fatigue and highlighting solutions for the future.You can get involved in what the NHVR is doing by keeping an eye on our social media channels, provide feedback to our team at a roadside information day, or join one of our fatigue webinars.SalGiving drivers a choice – Australia’s first Electronic Work Diaries approvedAustralian heavy vehicle drivers will now have a choice in how they record their work and rest hours, with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator approving the first Electronic Work Diaries (EWD) – Smart eDriver by Step Global and Sentinel by Teletrac Navman.An EWD is an electronic recording system, approved by the NHVR, used to record the work and rest times of a driver as a voluntary alternative to the Written Work Diary.The rollout of EWDs from December 1 would mean drivers can put down the pen, paper and ruler when recording work and rest hours> Read about Australia’s first Electronic Work Diaries being approvedLet’s talk fatigue and help saves lives this National Road Safety WeekFlexibility for drivers using work and rest hours is within reach of many operators.The NHVR has released the final two booklets in the Advance Fatigue Management series and two Fatigue Choice webinars would assist operator to make the most of existing fatigue laws.“Applying for AFM does not have to be a difficult process, but does require a commitment by the business and staff to some additional safety measures,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said.> Read more on Fatigue Choices for work and rest hour flexibility> Read more on what the NHVR is doing this National Road Safety WeekFatigue Choices: Fatigue flexibility made easy webinarTuesday 17 NovemberA must for all transport operators and owner drivers, the Fatigue Choices program helps operators decide what flexibility is suitable for them and provides information on how to complete the process to access that flexibility.What's next in fatigue management webinarThursday 19 NovemberA must for safety professionals, safety consultants, and transport operators for what’s next in fatigue management thinking over the next 5-10 years. This future focus will include capability uplift, flexibility, and technology uptake.$137,000 enforceable undertaking to support supply chain safetyThe NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Qube Ports Pty Ltd (Qube) that will see $137,000 put towards risk awareness education and other safety initiatives.The EU stems from an allegation by Transport for NSW that on 19 November 2019 Qube failed to comply with the mass requirements as required by s 96(1)(c) of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).> Read more about the about the enforceable undertaking from QUBE.Truck Driver Information DaysCome and chat to the NHVR at our next roadside information days. Whether you have a questions about access, Chain of Responsibility or any other heavy vehicle queries, come and join us.Our next 2 info days areMonday 23 Nov - OTR Bolivar in SAThursday 26 Nov - BP Charlton in QLDHave 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 99
on 2020-11-15 01:34:12
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 99 | 4 November 2020Last week, we released our revised National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Business Rules and Standards.The new Rules and Standards will be in place from February 2021 and the NHVR will be working with customers over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.Since the introduction of the scheme in 1999, it has evolved to provide a flexible, mutually beneficial approach to safety management.The new standards were developed in close consultation with stakeholders across our industry and we’re confident they’ll support a simpler, safer system.Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute.SalVirtual reality meets road safety in heavy vehicle simulatorHeavy vehicle operators will soon be able to drive trucks down Adelaide’s South Eastern Freeway in a new state-of-the-art training simulator designed to improve road safety in South Australia.The Australian and South Australian governments have partnered with South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) to buy the HVSim and software package worth $450,000.> Read about the safety benefits being delivered by this new technology hereBuilding a better National Safety Management SystemThe revised National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Business Rules and Standards will better align with modern safety systems when they roll out from February 2021.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the reforms for more than 7,600 NHVAS customers had been finalised following a review of the scheme and widespread industry consultation.> Read about the how we’re making the NHVAS easier to understandLocal government enthusiastic about bridge assessment projectThe Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP) received almost 1000 nominations for bridge and culvert assessments, when Round 1 closed last month.SLGAAP Project Manager Todd Wellard said that the response from almost 100 local government road managers demonstrated a strong interest to improve access for heavy vehicles across Australia.> Read about the way the project is identifying access improvement for critical freight routes hereLaws for Queensland heavy vehicle rest areas strengthenedQueensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has introduced new rules to ensure heavy vehicle specific rest areas are used for fatigue management only and require that heavy vehicle rest stop are only available for heavy vehicle drivers.Queensland has about 450 rest areas, which are a mixture of motorist, heavy vehicle and combined motorists and heavy vehicle rest areas.The changes clarify the requirements for rest area use and camping on the state-controlled road network, including fines for light vehicle drivers using heavy vehicle-only areas.Find out more about the new regulations and penalties for light vehicle drivers at www.qld.gov.au/restareasStay up to date with freight border crossing changesThe 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 changes to the Queensland Border Declaration Pass (Freight and Logistics).> Read the latest news about freight border crossing changes on our Coronavirus response pageHave 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 98
on 2020-10-27 22:26:12
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 98 | 22 October 2020Message from the CEOA number of recent NHVR operations have detected some issues with vehicle standards and driver fatigue.Focusing on education is a big priority and our on-road teams would much rather support drivers to fix up minor issues than take enforcement action.But safety still has to be the priority – that means both safer vehicles and safer drivers.It’s on everyone in the supply chain to make sure they are doing their part to keep our roads safe.So before you head out make sure you’ve done a vehicle safety check, that drivers are being scheduled appropriately, that you’re taking regular breaks and filling out your work diaries correctly.SalMajor operation targets heavy vehicles at Australia’s crossroadsA major joint operation between the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and South Australia Police (SAPOL) with a focus on heavy vehicle safety has concluded.NHVR Director Southern Region Paul Simionato said Operation Crossroads 2020 was a local operation with a national impact – focusing on the “crossroads” of Australia.“The four-day joint operation ran between 9 October and 12 October, with a primary focus of monitoring the safety and compliance of heavy vehicles travelling on the Augusta Highway,” Mr Simionato said.> Read the articleATA, NHVR call for respect and safetyThe Australian Trucking Association and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator are calling on the trucking community to celebrate the industry’s diversity and call out racism wherever it occurs.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said it was important for everyone in the heavy vehicle industry to continue to support and respect each other.“This year in particular, we’ve seen drivers, members of the supply chain, service centres and authorised officers work together through the challenges of the bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Petroccitto said.> Read the articleHeavy Vehicle Transportation & Chain of Responsibility: wine industry consultation roadshowWine producers, wine grape grower and transporter of grapes and bottled wine are required to comply with the Chain of Responsibility requirements under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.To ensure a consistent approach to Chain of Responsibility across wine growing regions of Australia and assist businesses to meet their obligations, a new Registered Industry Code of Practice is being developed by the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) in partnership with Australian Grape & Wine Inc (AGW).Find details here of upcoming stakeholder meetings that provide an opportunity for the wine industry to discuss key issues and practical solutions in relation to Chain of Responsibility compliance.> Read the articleComplete the Queensland Rail bridge strike survey and go in the draw to winQueensland Rail are calling for feedback from truck drivers as part of their ongoing efforts to combat bridge strikes and support safety on their network.As a thank you for taking part in the short ten-minute survey, all truck drivers who complete the survey will go into the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards. > Click here to start the survey Note that the survey will close at midnight on Friday 30 October.NHVR team takes out Australian Business AwardThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has recently been recognised for our innovation on the national stage with the NHVR Solutions team winning the Digital Transformation category in the Australian Business Awards.The award submission highlights the NHVR’s results from the NHVR Portal, with a focus on the benefits for our customers around the processing of access permits.> Read the articleHow to change registrations on your permitWe’ve had some recent questions from operators about how to change registrations on permits.The NHVR allows the holder of a permit to request amendments, including registration changes, to an existing permit in limited circumstances through the NHVR Portal. Once a permit is issued, operators can make an application to add, remove, or amend registrations.> Check out the fact sheet for easy step-by-step instructionsHave 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 97
on 2020-10-15 09:03:22
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 97 | 9 October 2020 Message from the CEOThis week saw the release of the final report from the Australian Productivity Commission into National Transport Regulatory Reform, which included a review of reforms in the heavy vehicle industry.The report highlighted the significant reform of safety and productivity across the heavy vehicle industry since the introduction of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) in 2013.While there is much to celebrate, the Productivity Commission also highlighted a number of areas where the law can be improved.It is crucial then, that these recommendations are aligned with the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) ongoing review of the HVNL.While this final report is being considered, the NHVR will continue to work with industry and every level of government to continue to improve our industry.SalHVSI projects focus on mental healthWorld Mental Health Day is commemorated every year on 10 October. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take stock of your mental health as well as check in with those around you.We know that healthy drivers are safer drivers. That’s why the NHVR has supported a number of projects through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative that focus on improving mental health in the industry.Read about the initiativesCOVID-safe toolbox talk kit releasedA COVID-19 toolbox talk kit focused on vehicle, workplace and hand hygiene, wearing a facemask and mental health is part of the NHVR’s latest release of practical industry safety material.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the toolbox talk kit, which included a series of quick guides, videos, checklists and templates, had been added to the NHVR’s Safety Management System suite, at the request of operators.“A recent NHVR Safety Survey showed that while 78 per cent of managers agree that there is an ongoing program of safety promotions and communication, while 52 per cent of drivers and 71 per cent of loaders agreed," Sal said. “Toolbox talks are one of the easiest and yet most effective ways to share important safety information and share responsibility for everyone’s safety.Read more about the toolsFreight 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:There are several heavy vehicle-friendly testing sites along major interstate freight routes. Click here to see the location of heavy vehicle-friendly testing sites.South Australia has removed the requirement to be tested for COVID-19 or produce results of a COVID-19 test for essential workers that enter from any state other than Victoria.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.NHVR welcomes release of Productivity Commission final reportThe NHVR has welcomed the final report from the Australian Productivity Commission into National Regulatory Reform, including the heavy vehicle industry.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the report highlighted the significant reform of safety and productivity across the heavy vehicle industry since the introduction of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) in 2013.“In particular, the Commissioners have highlighted the on-going improvement to road safety and a reduction in heavy vehicle crashes and progress of harmonisation,” Sal said.Click here to read the full statementNHVR investigation enters business premises in Queensland and VictoriaOfficers from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have this week entered multiple business premises in Queensland and Victoria using powers under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).The entries were a result of concerns around road safety and compliance with safety duties under the HVNL.Click here to read the full statementConnect 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.