Two-pronged approach to tackle long-distance trucking fatigue

The NSW government recently launched a campaign targeting heavy vehicle companies and drivers - encouraging them to take greater responsibility for road safety.

Minister for Finance Michael Daley said the two-pronged approach will target driver fatigue and will include a blitz of more than 80 heavy vehicle depots and companies by WorkCover inspectors and driver awareness days at five locations across the state.

The campaign has answered calls from the Transport Workers Union to better educate heavy vehicle drivers and companies following a series of tragic road incidents involving heavy vehicles over the first part of 2010.

“This campaign is a clear indication that the NSW government is addressing the concerns of the industry bodies and ensuring that fatigue management in long-distance trucking remains our number one priority,” Daley said. “Not only do we have a responsibility to raise awareness of the road safety risks of driver fatigue, we also have to ensure all those in the transport supply chain are meeting their regulatory obligations.

“Whilst we recognise that the heavy vehicle transport industry is under pressure to cover long distances and faces stiff competition, there is no excuse for sacrificing safety for the sake of profit. It is simply unacceptable.

“This campaign will include a crackdown on those not meeting their safety obligations and will advise drivers and companies of better ways to manage driver fatigue.”

The campaign includes:

• Audits at 80 distribution depots and high freight organisations to monitor compliance and make sure measures are in place to address fatigue risks;
• Face-to-face driver awareness days held by WorkCover and the RTA at five high-traffic truck stops across the state;
• Distribution of a specially produced ‘Homecomings’ CD for truck drivers, featuring popular music interspersed with safety messages;
• An extensive mail-out of guidance material on how to reduce fatigue risks and meet regulatory obligations targeting consignors, consignees, head carriers and industry associations; and
• Improved information exchange regarding the prevention and investigation of long-distance trucking crashes between WorkCover, Police, the RTA, and the Department of Environment.

Daley said that the long-distance trucking industry is a highly competitive business, with pressures on all participants to meet delivery schedules: “These pressures can have fatal consequences for drivers and other road users. That’s why the state government supports the inclusion of strong fatigue regulations in the new national framework for occupational health and safety laws.

“As part of this initiative, the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities have established a Long Distance Trucking Network to determine a national approach to fatigue management in the industry.

“All agencies involved in the regulation of fatigue and investigation of these incidents share the same goal of saving lives and reducing fatigue-related incidents on Australian roads.

“Our objective is really simple - ensuring all workers across NSW arrive home safely at the end of the working day.

“The campaign will build on the proactive work already undertaken by the NSW government and WorkCover to improve safety practices in the industry.

“Over the past four years, WorkCover has provided more than $400,000 to the NSW Transport Workers Union under its WorkCover Assist Grants Program, for projects to raise awareness of fatigue in this industry.

“The NSW government will continue to work closely with the heavy vehicle industry to improve workplace safety for long-distance truck drivers.”

Under the Long Distance Truck Driver Fatigue Regulation 2005, trips by heavy trucks weighing 4.5 tonnes or more, or a journey of more than 500 km require preparation of a Driver Fatigue Management Plan detailing how the risk of fatigue will be managed. Trip schedules must provide adequate time for breaks, rest and sleep, as well as allow for delays and disruptions, such as traffic holdups.