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ON THE ROAD Issue 120
on 2021-08-01 02:32:20
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IT Dept
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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
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IT Dept
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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
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IT Dept
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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.
ON THE ROAD Issue 117
on 2021-06-30 03:56:28
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IT Dept
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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
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IT Dept
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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.