NHVR (42)
ON THE ROAD Issue 110
on 2021-04-07 08:02:45
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 110 | 7 April 2021While much of the country wound down over Easter, Australia’s heavy vehicle industry was faced with new challenges.Following on from flooding across NSW and Queensland, transport on the east coast was impacted by a COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Brisbane.Other states designated South East Queensland a hotspot and imposed numerous conditions on trucks leaving the region – but freight kept moving thanks to our dedicated drivers and logistics workers.The hotspot declaration showed that the COVID-19 pandemic is still far from over, but also that our industry can quickly adapt to the challenges it poses.I thank everyone in the industry and across all levels of government for their fast work and great patience in dealing with the pandemic.Co-operation has been key to getting through this difficult year and it’s vital for Australia’s economy and communities that we keep working together.Sal, CEOReport proves good maintenance improves road safetyA new report from Australia’s largest trucking insurer NTI and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has confirmed operators who effectively maintain their vehicles are less likely to be involved in an incident.Data from NTI’s NTARC Major Accident Investigation Report and the NHVR’s National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey was examined to create the report, which looks at the relationship between vehicle standards and safety performance.The report found that there was a significant increase in the frequency and cost of insurance claims lodged by companies which operated vehicles with poorly maintained couplings and an above-average number of wheel and tyre defects.> Read the full story hereTransport boss convicted of speed limiter tamperingThe owner of a South Australian transport company has been prosecuted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for possessing speed limiter tampering equipment.South Australia Police (SAPOL) Heavy Vehicle Investigation Section conducted an investigation at the company’s Mid-North premises in August 2020 and located a laptop installed with tampering software, as well as connecting plugs.The company owner initially declined to answer questions about the device, but pleaded guilty to possessing a speed limiter tampering device when he appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court earlier this month.> Read the full storyDeadline for Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy consultationIndustry stakeholders are being urged to have their say on the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021-2025 by Friday 30 April 2021.The Safety Strategy sets out the NHVR’s strategic ambitions to improve heavy vehicle safety outcomes and contribute to a reduction in the number of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries involving heavy vehicles.To view the strategy and make a submission go to www.nhvr.gov.au/hvssUpcoming Truck Driver Info DaysCome and chat to the NHVR at our next roadside information days.Whether you have a question about access, Chain of Responsibility or any other heavy vehicle queries, come and join us.Upcoming dates:Tue 13 April: Epping Forest, Tasmania, 9am-3pm AEDTWed 14 April: Rocky Cape, Tasmania, 9am-3pmThu 15 April: Lytton, Queensland, 5am - 1pmWed 21 April: Yamba, South Australia, 8am-1pm ACSTWed 21 April: Buronga, New South Wales, 12pm - 6pmThu 29 April: Ballina, New South Wales, 9am - 5pmFor more details, and to keep up with the latest events at NHVR, visit the events page.Send us your #TruckShotsThe photo above was sent to us from Aus Hay in Euston in New South Wales. This road train is hauling Pino Gris grapes ready to be crushed and made into wine. Want to see your truck featured on the NHVR social pages? Send us a message on Facebook with your best shots!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 109
on 2021-03-23 05:34:48
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 109 | 23 March 2021This is a resilient industry and we know what steps are needed to ensure a fast recovery from the current flooding in New South Wales and Queensland.Where possible operators should avoid travelling in impacted areas, but if it is necessary please be aware of local emergency access arrangements.Thankfully, most people in our industry understand the dangers of flooding and do the right thing.The NHVR has been in close contact with road managers in the past 48 hours to assist with access issues and we’ll be taking further action in the coming days as floodwaters recede and roads re-open.Please stay tuned to the NHVR’s website and social media channels for further updates on emergency fatigue provisions and other disaster relief measures, such as heavy vehicle hotlines.In the meantime, please stay up to date with the latest road closures at this link.Sal, CEORegulator partnering to deliver a healthier future for industryThe NHVR has entered into a new partnership with the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) Foundation to improve psychological safety and physical health across the heavy vehicle and logistics industries.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the partnership with HHTS showed the importance the NHVR placed on mental and physical health when it comes to heavy vehicle safety and ensuring drivers and logistics workers have access to the best possible information, resources and support.“The NHVR will contribute $150,000 over the next three years to progress key initiatives that the NHVR sees as critical to supporting mental and physical health,” Mr Petroccitto said.“The HHTS project is one of the first mental health initiatives that is directly co-driven with industry, customers and others across the complete supply chain at all levels.”HHTS is a registered not-for-profit charitable foundation that exists for the benefit of the broader supply chain and is open to all operators regardless of size or scale.> Read the full storyHave your say on the Heavy Vehicle Safety StrategyThe NHVR is seeking feedback on the draft Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021-2025, which sets out the NHVR’s strategic ambitions to improve heavy vehicle safety outcomes and contribute to a reduction in the number of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries involving heavy vehicles.NHVR Safety Director Greg Fill said the strategy, which was developed to align with the Federal Government’s draft National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, is open for feedback until 30 April 2021.“The Safety Strategy will be supported by an annual Action Plan, outlining the activities, responsibilities and timeframes for delivery that the NHVR will undertake over the next five years,” Mr Fill said.> Read the full storyNHVR partners with peak engineering body on road access projectThe NHVR is partnering with the Queensland peak body for public works engineers to help deliver the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP).The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland (IPWEAQ) is providing invaluable support to the project, including helping to develop the Asset Assessment Framework.SLGAAP is a Commonwealth-funded initiative to help local councils undertake heavy vehicle assessments on their own on-road assets, such as bridges and culverts.> Read the full storyConsignor prosecuted over pedestrian crossing rolloverThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has charged a Victorian company with serious safety offences after a truck toppled onto a pedestrian island crossing.The heavy vehicle was loaded with a shipping container carrying 26 tonnes of imported timber plywood products when it rolled over in Dandenong on 11 November 2019.The case is the first prosecution of a consignor by the NHVR following the 2018 amendment of the Heavy Vehicle National Law which made all parties in the supply chain part of the Chain of Responsibility, with a shared duty to ensure the safety of transport activities.> Read the full storyNew health program gives drivers a roadside check-upTruck drivers will be able to get roadside health checks thanks to an innovative new program being supported by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.The ‘Truckie Tune Ups’ are a key part of the OzHelp Foundation’s new Health in Gear program, which aims to improve health and wellbeing across transport industry.> Read 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.
ON THE ROAD Issue 108
on 2021-03-11 04:52:42
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 108 | 11 March 2021After a year of disruption caused by COVID-19, the NHVR’s face-to-face engagement with industry is starting to return to pre-pandemic levels.We’re now able to hold roadside events in most states and later this month Chief Engineer Les Bruzsa will provide insights and guidance on the safety and productivity benefits of PBS at industry forums hosted by the Tasmanian Transport Association.Our Stakeholder Engagement Officer Tim Hansen recently hosted a Truck Driver Info Day at Moree in Northern NSW and was able to hear first-hand from drivers about the experience they are having with the introduction of EWDs and report back on key areas for improvement.These conversations provide invaluable information for the NHVR and we’ll be having more of them later this month at Traralgon East and Dandenong, in Victoria, and at Port Wakefield in South Australia (see below for more information).And, of course, we’re looking forward to seeing thousands of people from across the industry at the Brisbane Truck Show in May.Every person in the heavy vehicle industry and logistics chain matters to the NHVR.Our aim is always to listen, understand and build the partnerships that lead to a safer and more productive heavy vehicle industry.Sal, CEONHVR Facebook post spreads safety message to millionsA safety blunder detected by NHVR officers in Victoria has become a social media sensation.More than two million people have viewed the NHVR’s Facebook post on the inadequate load restraint that was used to transport an excavator weighing more than 20 tonnes.The excavator had been ‘secured’ by just four straps, when it should have been directly chained to the trailer.The NHVR’s Facebook post has so far generated more than 11,000 comments from truckies and transport workers who were stunned by the rookie safety error – as well as a few from drivers who mistakenly thought four straps was enough to secure the excavator.> Read the full storyImprovement Notice issued after engine tampering investigation A Sunshine Coast transport company has been issued with an Improvement Notice by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) after an investigation uncovered evidence of engine tampering.A joint investigation between NHVR and Queensland Police Service officers confirmed that the emissions control system on one of the company’s trucks had been switched off, while the control system on a second vehicle had been ‘remapped’ to allow increased emissions.> Click to read the press releaseNotifiable Occurrences and NHVAS Business Rules and StandardsThe NHVR is working constructively with industry to implement the revised NHVAS Business Rules and Standards that were launched in February.Existing participants have up to one accreditation cycle to implement the revised rules and standards, which means implementation does not have to be done immediately.Notifiable Occurrence reporting now forms part of the revised business rules, so it’s important operators fully understand their responsibilities.A factsheet and video are available that explain when, how and why an NHVAS Notifiable Occurrence must be reported.Factsheet: Click to view the NHVAS Notifiable Occurrence Reporting factsheetVideo: Click to watch the Notifiable Occurrence Reporting videoPress Release: Read more about the introduction of new NHVAS Business Rules and StandardsNHVR hits the road for Tasmania PBS forumsThe NHVR will be talking to industry about the benefits of PBS vehicles at three forums hosted by the Tasmanian Transport Association this month.The PBS Roadshow events will be held in Burnie on Monday March 22, followed by Launceston on Wednesday March 24 and Hobart on Friday March 26.NHVR Chief Engineer Les Bruzsa will discuss the design, assessment and certification of PBS trucks.He’ll be joined by representatives from Tasmania’s Department of State Growth – State Roads, BTT Engineering, Advantia, CoR & Mass Management and National Transport Insurance.> For more details and registrations go to www.tta.org.auHave your say on the Draft National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30The draft National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 is open for public consultation until March 23.The draft strategy sets the direction of Australia’s road safety objectives, key priorities for action and road trauma reduction targets for the decade to 2030 to set us on the path to achieve Vision Zero by 2050 – meaning zero deaths and serious injuries from road crashes.> To make a submission, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au/nrssUpcoming Truck Driver Info DaysCome and chat to the NHVR at our next roadside information days.Whether you have a question about access, Chain of Responsibility or any other heavy vehicle queries, come and join us.Upcoming dates:Traralgon East: Thursday 11 March, Victoria. 8am-4pm AEDT.Dandenong: Tuesday 16 March, Victoria. 6am-2pm AEDT.Port Wakefield: Wednesday 17 March, South Australia. 8am–2pm ACDT.For more details, and to keep up with the latest events at NHVR, visit the events page.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 107
on 2021-02-24 08:20:14
by
IT Dept
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NHVR
Issue 107 | 23 February 2021We know that Australia’s heavy vehicle industry doesn’t stand still.It’s constantly changing, presenting new challenges for those on the road and in the heavy vehicle supply chain.That’s why the NHVR is committed to raising productivity across the industry, while continuing to improve safety.This week, revised Business Rules and Standards for the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme took effect, which will make it easier for members to meet Chain of Responsibility requirements while simplifying fatigue management modules.We’ve also begun tyre testing with the Australian Road Research Board as part of our PBS Tyre Review following recommendations from safety expert Dr John de Pont.There’s more work to be done, but I’m confident the gains will be worth it.The heavy vehicle industry’s potential is huge and the NHVR is helping to unlock it.SalCEOSouth Australian operator charged over engine remappingThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has charged a South Australian company with a primary duty offence for allegedly remapping the engines of heavy vehicles.The charges stem from a South Australia Police operation in June 2020.The NHVR will argue that the checks conducted during the operation indicated the vehicle was not using Adblue, suggesting its emissions control system had been tampered with. Examinations were conducted on other heavy vehicles registered to the company which form the basis of additional charges.It is alleged that the operator of the vehicles disabled the emission controls on the heavy vehicles.> Read the full storyTyre testing underway to progress PBS Tyre ReviewThe NHVR has begun extensive testing on a range of tyres used on Performance Based Standards combinations following recommendations by road safety expert Dr John de Pont in his Review of Tyre Management Practices in the Australian PBS System.NHVR Chief Engineer Les Bruzsa said the NHVR was working with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to undertake tyre testing needed to progress Dr de Pont’s findings.“The testing will examine the effect of variations in tread depth, vertical loads, different inflation pressures, road surface characteristics and the performance characteristics of different tyres.“The results will also be used to determine how the performance of heavy vehicle tyres in the Australian market differ from the Michelin XZA tyre used to develop the PBS Standards.> Read more hereRevised NHVAS Business Rules and Standards commencedThe NHVR revised Business Rules and Standards — under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) — took effect on Monday 22 February.The new Rules and Standards will allow the NHVAS to align more closely to Safety Management Systems and help members meet their requirements under Chain of Responsibility laws.The changes include a reduction in the duplication between the Advanced Fatigue Management and Basic Fatigue Management modules to allow both to operate under a single set of seven standards.Other safety-related improvements include a requirement to notify the NHVR of any significant or major safety incidents involving a NHVAS-nominated vehicle or driver operating under a fatigue module, a requirement to keep a register for infringement and defective vehicle notices related to the scheme, and revised requirements for loading and weighing.The revised Business Rules and Standards, fact sheets and videos are available at www.nhvr.gov.au/nhvas-business-rules.SARTA launches heavy vehicle simulatorTruck drivers will now be able to use new state-of-the-art technology to gain valuable experience before hitting the road following the launch of the South Australian Road Transport Association’s (SARTA) new Heavy Vehicle Simulator.The Federal and South Australian governments have partnered with SARTA to buy the $450,000 HVSim and software package, with $350,000 of funding provided through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.> Read more hereDraft National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 open for consultationThe draft National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 is now available for public consultation.The draft strategy sets the direction of Australia’s road safety objectives, key priorities for action and road trauma reduction targets for the decade to 2030 to set us on the path to achieve Vision Zero by 2050 – meaning zero deaths and serious injuries from road crashes.To view the draft strategy or make a submission, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au/nrssTruck Driver Information DaysCome and chat to the NHVR at our next roadside information days. Whether you have a question about access, Chain of Responsibility or any other heavy vehicle queries, come and join us. Upcoming datesQLD: Tue 23 Feb - Gin Gin 12.30-9.30pm AESTNSW: Tue 2 Mar - Moree 10am–6pm AEDTVIC: Thu 11 Mar - Traralgon East 8am-4pm AEDTVIC: Tue 16 Mar - Dandenong 6am-2pm AEDT> Visit the website events page for more event detailsHave 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 106
on 2021-02-17 00:00:07
by
IT Dept
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 106 | 9 February 2021Everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility to fulfil their respective duties and make our roads safer for everyone.Whether that’s ensuring loads are properly restrained, vehicles are up to standard or drivers are properly rested—everyone has a part to play.The NHVR is here to help you understand your responsibilities. Get in touch with one of our staff on the phone, online, at the roadside or at one of our Truck Driver Info Days.Don’t wait until something goes wrong to take action.Sal PetroccittoCEONHVR enters Sunshine Coast transport company premisesThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) last week entered the premises of a Sunshine Coast based transport company to investigate the company’s compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law.NHVR and QPS identified evidence of engine remapping, which meant emissions controls and speed limiting systems were not operating in accordance with the Australian Design Rules.Defect notices were issued for the relevant vehicles and a direction has been given to the operator to remedy the issues while investigations are ongoing.> Read moreResearch review sparks truck driver health programTo coincide with the upcoming launch of their new truck driver health program, the OzHelp Foundation (OzHelp) has published a review which draws on national and international research findings into the poor health outcomes of heavy vehicle drivers.OzHelp has been funded through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), supported by the Federal Government, to develop a health and wellbeing program for owner driver truck drivers.The program ‘Health in Gear’ will shortly commence its pilot phase and is informed by the findings of the review.> Read more (PDF)NHVR files primary duties charges against South Australia companyPrimary duties offences have been laid against a South Australian manufacturing company and its executive following an incident in February 2019.The company has been charged with category 1, 2 and 3 offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law while the executive has been charged with failure comply with a duty.The charges stem from the incorrect restraint of a load on a trailer by someone who had not been adequately trained in load restraint nor had any relevant experience restraining loads on heavy vehicles.> Read the full storyWarning over use of ‘suzi coils’The NHVR has released a safety bulletin to highlight the dangers of inappropriately using suzi coils for air supply to the brake system on self-supporting trailers (A-type) trailers.The NHVR is aware of a number of decoupling incidents where suzi coils have been used as air supply lines to trailers with ‘A’ type coupling systems.In some extreme cases, the combination of the design of the trailer, and the use of suzi coils has resulted in these trailers drifting into other lanes with a total lack of emergency brake application due to the extent the suzi coils have stretched.To ensure trailers that have unintentionally disconnected can stop within the shortest possible distance, the NHVR strongly recommends that trailers, other than semitrailers, are not fitted with suzi coils and instead use traditional rubber hoses.> Read the safety bulletin (PDF)Minor changes to vehicle safety standard requirementsTo ensure that the Heavy Vehicle National Law (the Law), and the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation (the Regulation) are kept current, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) regularly undertakes reviews and makes changes when needed.Following a recent review, some minor changes will be made to vehicle safety standards requirements, commencing 22 February 2021.Changes will be made to the technical requirements of the vehicle safety standards, set out in the Regulation, including:indirect vision devicesblind spot information systemstyres with cleats and other gripping devicesclasses of retroreflective materials> Read more at our websiteLast chance for HVSI Round 6A reminder that applications for Round 6 of the $5.55 million Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) will close on 12 February 2021.If you have a project, program or campaign that will increase safety awareness and compliance that requires funding or support to make it happen, we want to hear from you.The funding for 2021-22 is a record for the program and we’re calling on groups to put forward their value-for-money projects and ideas for consideration.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/hvsiPBS Directional Stability Under Braking Standard consultation closingConsultation on the implementation of amendments to the PBS Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) Standard will close on 12 February 2021.For additional information or to provide feedback, please review the PBS Directional Stability Under Braking Transitional Arrangements Discussion Paper at www.nhvr.gov.au/consultation.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, Stakeholder Engagement Officer Peta Smart can assist.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.