Council signs up to TruckSafe program

In a bid to improve safety and professionalism of trucking operators in its local area, The District Council of Yankalilla in South Australia will sign up to the TruckSafe industry accreditation program.

The council is said to be the first in Australia to implement the TruckSafe Program, designed to ensure its fleet of trucks adhere to the highest safety standards.

Yankalilla Council Manager of Operations Warren Kaeding said the decision was made in light of the horrific truck accidents occurring on Australian roads on a daily basis.

“As a council we have stood up and said enough is enough. With several incidents involving trucks recently, it highlights the importance of having well-maintained vehicles, trained drivers and management systems in place to ensure safety is paramount,” Kaeding said.

“Whilst the TruckSafe program is not mandatory, it demonstrates the importance our council places on the safety of its people and of the wider community.”

TruckSafe accreditation is based on four key standards: management, maintenance, workplace and driver health and training.

According to the organisation these are the minimum standards a trucking business should meet for it to be a safe, responsible operation.

TruckSafe National Manager Justin Fleming welcomed Yankalilla Council’s commitment to the program.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Yankalilla Council to the TruckSafe program. I commend them on putting safety first by making the choice to implement the TruckSafe standards in their fleet,” Fleming said.

“TruckSafe operators go above and beyond the requirements of the law to make sure they do the right thing by their staff and their community. Yankalilla Council is leading the way as the first council to commit to these high standards.”

Yankalilla Council encompasses a number of key trucking routes including the main freight route to Kangaroo Island.

Mayor for the District Council of Yankalilla Malcolm Schlein said, “We hope other Australian councils will take our lead and ensure not only the safety of our community but also the safety of our truck drivers.”