NHVR (38)
On The Road Issue 81
on 2020-03-27 07:45:59
by
IT Dept
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 81 | 27 March 2020 | Coronavirus Special Edition Message from the CEOThe NHVR Portal is continuing to provide a range of services for customers and road managers during these challenging times.The Portal is the place to manage all your business for Accreditation, Vehicle Standards, Registration services and Access Permits. It is also being used by road managers to assess permit applications.During this time, please be patient when using these services as our staff, service providers or road managers may be impacted.You can use the NHVR Portal to prepare, lodge and track your applications or requests, and there is an Information Request feature to ask questions or raise issues with us.Like all businesses, the NHVR has planned for disruptions, but we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service during this difficult period.SalNHVR extends supplementary record use to 30 daysThe NHVR has announced an extension to the time limit drivers may use a supplementary work diary record, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist industry through the coronavirus pandemic.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that from Wednesday April 1, drivers can use supplementary records for up to 30 driver business days, compared to the current seven day limit.“Drivers who complete, lose or have their diary stolen or destroyed and can’t get an immediate replacement can use the Diary Daily Sheets for up to 30 days,” Sal said.> Read more about the supplementary record changesUpdate on cross-border travelWestern Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania have border restrictions in place. There are currently no restrictions in place for travel between Victoria, NSW and the ACT.Despite these restrictions, all freight movements are continuing. It’s business as usual.However we ask that you keep abreast of information provided by State, Territory and Federal Government agencies.> Read more cross-border travel updates and download formsNHVR reducing burden on industry accreditationThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has announced temporary changes to National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) medical requirements and face-to-face audit requirements, in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the regulator has listened to the industry and the common-sense changes would be implemented from Wednesday 25 March.“We are making some practical changes that will help to take pressure off the health system and support operators and drivers in a time of unprecedented demand,” Sal said. > Read more about accreditation updatesSimple steps to avoid coronavirusThe NHVR is urging heavy vehicle drivers and operators to take steps to maintain their health and wellbeing while health authorities continually update advice on the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).The most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your staff and colleagues is to practice good hygiene, including:washing your hands regularly and where available use hand sanitiserkeeping work areas, eating surfaces and benches clean, through increased regular cleaningcovering your mouth while coughing or sneezingavoiding close contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms.Operators and drivers should also carry additional hand sanitiser where they have access to it.If you become unwell or suspect you may have symptoms of coronavirus, please seek medical assistance regardless of whether you believe you may have come into contact with someone with the illness. If you are unwell, regardless of the cause, please stay home.You can find more information about coronavirus at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
On The Road - Issue 80
on 2020-03-25 00:59:53
by
IT Dept
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 80 | 25 March 2020 | Coronavirus Special Edition Message from the CEOAustralia’s heavy vehicle freight and logistics supply chain is again demonstrating the vital role it plays no matter what the circumstance.In the past heavy vehicle drivers and operators have shown enormous resilience through bushfire, flood or cyclone but are now being tested like never before.This week we’ve worked closely with state governments, which are acting on advice from medical experts, to reduce cross-border travel to manage the spread of coronavirus.Governments have also responded quickly to remove curfews in many states to allow the delivery of goods into shopping centres and distribution centres. But more importantly reducing stress on drivers.Even in these early weeks of the coronavirus response, it is obvious that some parts of the heavy vehicle supply chain will be required to operate at capacity, while some sectors will be impacted by a reduction in other parts of the economy.The weeks and months ahead will present many challenges for all sectors and the broader Australian community.I’ve committed to ensuring that NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers and staff will endeavour to assist wherever possible to ensure the task is undertaken safely and vital and correct information is distributed as soon as we can.The NHVR is here to work with drivers and operators during these difficult times, I encourage you to contact us for assistance and we will try our best to help.Please take care and continue to excellent work you do safely.SalCross border arrangementsSeveral state road managers have placed restrictions on cross-border movements this week as a control measure against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).All governments are committed to ensuring the freight continues, with individual states issuing the below definitions of who is exempt from restrictions at their border.... > Read more about cross border arrangementsPractice Personal HygieneThe most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your colleagues and the public is to practice good hygiene, including:washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitiserkeeping work areas, eating surfaces and benches cleancovering your mouth while coughing or sneezingavoiding close contact with anyone who has flu-like symptomsOperators and drivers should carry additional hand sanitiser as it may not be otherwise available.If you become unwell or suspect you may have symptoms of coronavirus, please seek medical assistance regardless of whether you believe you may have come into contact with someone with the illness.You can find more information about coronavirus at:www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncovAmenity restrictions lifted from essential freight permitsThe NHVR has agreed to waive restrictions on all curfew permits, except those related to safety and access, to move general freight and grocery deliveries as part of the national response to coronavirus (COVID-19).NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the changes brought freight movements using permits into line with recent legislation introduced by state governments to reduce the impact of curfews or parking around distribution centres and local supermarkets.“B Doubles or PBS vehicles carrying general freight to distribution centres or retail outlets may have travel conditions listed in permits or notices based on safety, access or amenity concerns,” Mr Petroccitto said.“Officers have been advised that amenity-related restriction will not apply over the next three months, to support the movement of freight.> Read more about amenity restrictions
NHVR On The Road - Issue 79
on 2020-03-18 01:15:35
by
IT Dept
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 79 | 16 March 2020 Message from the CEOThe spread of COVID19 or coronavirus has led to uncertainty on many fronts for the heavy vehicle industry.Our primary concern is the well-being of staff and drivers, as well as the significant economic and operational burden, which is likely to remain for some time.At the time of writing the NHVR are maintaining our full service levels.Our on-road staff have been provided with disposable rubber gloves and hand sanitiser to be utilised when conducting road-side activities to reduce any contact or spread of the virus.Like all businesses we are continuing a process of on-going assessment of our capabilities and how we can deliver those services.However we will ensure we balance the needs of supporting a safe heavy vehicle industry with the need to conduct your operations and businesses during a time of great uncertainty.SalSimple steps to avoid coronavirusThe NHVR is urging heavy vehicle drivers and operators to take steps to maintain their health and wellbeing while health authorities continually update advice on the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).The most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your staff and colleagues is to practice good hygiene, including:washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitiserkeeping work areas, eating surfaces and benches cleancovering your mouth while coughing or sneezingavoiding close contact with anyone who has flu-like symptomsOperators and drivers should carry additional hand sanitiser.If you become unwell or suspect you may have symptoms of coronavirus, please seek medical assistance regardless of whether you believe you may have come into contact with someone with the illness. If you are unwell, regardless of the cause, please stay home.You can find more information about coronavirus at www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncovNHVR urges caution over spate of grape spillsThe NHVR is warning drivers to be aware of spilled grapes on South Australian roads. NHVR Manager Stakeholder Engagement John Gilbert said that it was critical that operators, vineyards, wineries and others involved in transporting grapes put in place robust safety systems to ensure a safe journey for everyone.“We want to see these grapes made into great South Australian wine, not left to rot on our highways,” John said. “So far in March we’ve seen around 10 major spills on state and local roads in the Riverland region. That’s following 30 major spills in February. > Click to read the full articleReport puts livestock supply chain safety in focusThe NHVR is calling for feedback on future safety reforms across the livestock supply chain. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto told last week’s Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association’s 2020 Conference in Tamworth that the review would target several key areas where Chain of Responsibility laws applied to the movement of sheep and cattle.“We’ve identified a range of issues including loading practices, understanding of mass management and general understanding of regulatory responsibilities,” Sal said.“There are a number of questions raised about why overloading occurs, the pressures on drivers and how the livestock supply chain are meeting their safety responsibilities.”According to the Livestock Supply Chain Issues Paper, movement of sheep and cattle makes up about four per cent of the national freight task, but accounts for more than 10 per cent of accidents, including a significant number of rollovers.> Click to read the full storyReminder: Industry Safety SurveyA reminder to add your voice to our survey about how you tackle your safety responsibilities. NHVR Safety Assurance Director Greg Fill said the online safety survey would assist the NHVR to decide how best to develop future safety information.“We want to hear from everyone across the industry and supply chain about what they do to manage safety,” Greg said. The survey will allow the NHVR to continue to develop programs to support operators to meet their safety duties.The survey is voluntary and responses are confidential. It will be conducted by independent research company Insync and take about 10 minutes to complete.> Click here to access the survey. It’s open until 31 March.Watch your speed in B-triplesA reminder to all B-triple drivers that the maximum speed limit for these vehicles when operating on Queensland roads is 90km/h.In Queensland, the road rules limit the operation of all road trains to the lesser of the sign-posted speed limit and 90km/h. A B-triple is a road train.A previous condition of the National Road Train Notice suggested B-triples may operate at up to 100km/h. That condition was removed in October 2018.> Please see Information sheet – Speed limits for B-triples in Queensland for more details.Portal Training Event South Australia - PostponedPlease be advised that the Customer Portal Training being held on March 17, 2020 has been postponed.We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. We will be releasing new dates once they have been confirmed.Follow us on socialDuring this time, we will be updating our website with any relevant information for industry.We will also provide updates via our social media channels where required. Connect with us Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.
On the Road Issue 78
on 2020-03-04 23:24:24
by
IT Dept
Posted in
NHVR
Message from the CEOWork being undertaken by heavy vehicle associations to develop and register Industry Codes of Practice is significantly important.An Industry Code of Practice establishes standards and procedures for parties across the supply chain to identify, analyse, evaluate and mitigate risks associated with meeting safety duties obligations.I commend the Australian Logistics Council and Australian Trucking Association for developing the original Master Code, based on NHVR guidelines.The NHVR approved the Master Code last year. However many sections of the heavy vehicle industry are unique and have taken an opportunity to build on the Master Code with more detail information specific to their particular task.I look forward to assessing the work being undertaken on the Crane Industry Code of Practice, Forestry Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice, Managing Effluent in the Livestock Supply Chain Code of Practice, Waste and Recycling Industry Code of Practice for Load Management, the Tasmanian Agriculture and Horticultural Registered Industry Code of Practice, Livestock Transport Code of Practice – Mass Management for livestock being transported to/from saleyards, lairages and feedlots and the Wine Industry Code of Practice.Thank you to all the organisations and groups involved in pulling this information together. It will be another boost for future safe and best practices within the heavy vehicle transport industry.Click here for more information on Registered Industry Codes of Practice or here for the Master Registered Code of Practice.SalPortal and database modernising heavy vehicle safety and productivityTechnology is allowing the NHVR to modernise the way heavy vehicle safety and productivity services are delivered.Using the mixture of data and digital platforms, the NHVR is continuing to explore new ways to make it easier to do business for one of the most important industries in Australia.The most recent leap forward came when the NHVR started integrating heavy vehicle data and information into a secure national database known as the Safety and Compliance Regulatory Platform.NHVR Solutions Director David Carlisle said this new data platform, along with the NHVR Portal, was delivering vastly improved digital capability and information that would greatly benefit heavy vehicle operations.> Read the full articleSurvey seeks insight into industry's safety managementThe NHVR is conducting its latest survey into how the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain is tackling their safety responsibilities.NHVR Safety Assurance Director Greg Fill said the online safety survey would assist the NHVR to decide how best to develop future safety information.“With the introduction of safety duties provisions in October 2018, we want to understand how these changes have impacted everyday safety practices.“We want to hear from everyone across the industry and supply chain about what they do to manage safety. Mr Fill said the survey would allow the NHVR to continue to develop programs to support operators to meet their safety duties.The survey is voluntary and responses are confidential. It will be conducted by independent research company Insync and take about 10 minutes to complete. The survey is open until the 31st March. > Click here to access the surveyFatigue Choices for work and rest hour flexibilityFlexibility for drivers using work and rest hours is within reach for many heavy vehicle operators.NHVR Fatigue Specialist Andreas Blahous said a new Fatigue Choice customer program would assist operators to ensure their business is making 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,” Andreas said.“From next week the NHVR will be going door-to-door to meet with operators across Australia to discuss their work and rest hour requirements and what options are available.> Read the full articleNew booklet for AFM preparationThe NHVR has recently released a new booklet Advance Fatigue Management – Preparation to apply, which is the third in the AFM series to assist operators.NHVR Fatigue Specialist Andreas Blahous said the booklet was designed to breakdown the components of an AFM application. “It provides plain English descriptions of the elements the NHVR reviews when it receives an application,” Andreas said.> Click here to download the Advance Fatigue Management – Preparation to apply bookletCustomer Portal Training - Adelaide, South AustraliaWould you like to learn more about vehicle configuration? Need help understanding routing? Ready for guidance on how to use the NHVR portal?Our expert portal training team are making their way to Adelaide later this month to share some tips and tricks for using the latest features of the NHVR portal.Tuesday 17 MarchSARTA Office: Regency Park, South AustraliaIn late 2019 we released a range of new online services in the NHVR customer portal to make it easier to do your heavy vehicle business - from vehicle standards applications to managing your NHVAS accreditation.If you're near Adelaide, and would like some help getting started with the new features or understanding how the portal can make it easier for you to do business, please email us at accessenquiries@nhvr.gov.au with your name, number of attendees and your topics of interest and we'll be in touch to confirm times.CoronavirusMany Australian industries are closely monitoring the potential impacts of coronavirus (COVID 19), following the Australian Government recently issuing a health alert as a precaution.Click here for the latest advice, information and contact details NHVR is now on InstagramFollow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date with NHVR projects and events.Connect with us and share your pictures from the road to be featured in our newsletter.Connect with us 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 77
on 2020-02-18 04:37:37
by
IT Dept
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 77 | 17 Feb 2020 Message from the CEOHeavy vehicle operators have long called for standard compliance, across borders and between agencies responsible for its delivery.Changes have been occurring, through agreements such as the National Compliance and Enforcement Policy released in late 2018.However the NHVR took a big step toward standard compliance with the transition of heavy vehicle services from VicRoads in December and the official opening of our Melbourne base earlier this month.The transition of Victorian heavy vehicle services follows similar changes undertaken by state governments in South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.With borderless zones of operations, officers across the NHVR workforce will be able to deliver more consistent and broader services.This means our officers will no longer be restricted by borders when undertaking heavy vehicle compliance activities.It’s yet another step to deliver risk-based and outcomes-focused services when planning and undertaking heavy vehicle related compliance and enforcement activities.SalFatigue technology found to deliver safety benefitsTruck and bus companies have supported the use of Fatigue and Distraction Detection Technology to improve safety outcomes by helping prevent accidents before they occur, rather than looking in the rear vision mirror after the fact.This finding comes from an NHVR-commissioned study (as part of a five stage safety initiative) and was undertaken by independent consultants from HGH Consulting and CQ University, including internationally acclaimed sleep scientist, Professor Drew Dawson.NHVR Fatigue Specialist Andreas Blahous said this technology has the potential to be a game changer and the NHVR will work towards a collaborative approach to encouraging adoption of the new technology that includes drivers and management “The study found that the use of technology significantly reduced the frequency of fatigue and distraction events and identifies possible events to help prevent crashes before they occur,” Andreas said.“As one driver told the study; ‘it’s like having a mate in the cab that taps you on the shoulder’.> Click to read the full articleLast chance to get in your heavy vehicle safety ideasThe NHVR is reminding groups to submit their funding applications for Round 5 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) before the Friday 21 February deadline.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Federal Government had provided $5.48 million in 2020-21 for projects that improve heavy vehicle safety, under round five of the program.“This is the last week to get in your applications for the HVSI – our program which targets projects that can deliver real safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry and all road users,” Sal said.“We’ve got some great projects underway, targeting everything from compliance in the supply chain to driver mental health and education programs about driving safely around trucks. > Click here for more details and submission guidelinesMinor law changes on the horizonMinor amendments to the National Heavy Vehicle Law are coming on February 28.The changes remove inconsistencies between self-clearing defect notices, minor and major defect notices. These changes will:align the requirement for a driver who is not the vehicle operator to give the defect notice to the operator as soon as practicable, but no more than 14 days, after the notice is issuedallow a self-clearing defect notice to specify the date by which the repairs must be carried outprovide an option for the operator to request permission to use a heavy vehicle subject to a self-clearing defect notice if the repairs have not been carried out by the required date. > Click here to read more about the changesNHVR commences first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility lawsThe NHVR has commenced its first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws, laying charges against a company director for failing to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its safety duty.NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said that NHVR Investigators conducted a safety duties investigation into a Victorian trucking company in relation to fatigue management of its drivers.“We believe the company failed to comply with conditions of its fatigue management accreditation,” Ray said.“This requirement forms part of the Heavy Vehicle National Law’s (HVNL) primary safety duty and executives are required to exercise due diligence to ensure a company complies with this duty.> Click to read the articleTruck Driver Info DaysWednesday 19 FebRockbank, Victoria> More details------------------------Tuesday 3 MarchPort of Brisbane, Queensland> More detailsNHVR is now on InstagramFollow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date with NHVR projects and events.Connect with us and share your pictures from the road to be featured in our newsletter.Connect with us 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.