Joint transport safety operation in SA

SafeWork SA inspectors issued dozens of notices regarding workplace safety provisions and the transport of dangerous goods during a recent joint operation at Monteith.

Teams of eight inspectors working in three daily shifts from the agency’s Prevention, Response, Investigation and Dangerous Substances Teams joined South Australia Police and the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure in inspecting heavy vehicles.

In South Australia, SafeWork SA regulates the handling and transport of dangerous substances (such as fuel and chemicals), especially by road, as well as checking compliance with general workplace safety provisions.

During the operation, SafeWork SA:

• Inspected 135 vehicles for compliance with dangerous goods and occupational health safety and welfare laws;
• Issued 50 Improvement Notices for fire extinguisher, maintenance or first-aid provisions;
• Issued four Dangerous Substances Notices for vehicle markings, fire extinguishers or provision of PPE;
• Distributed booklets on the new First Aid Regulations and Code of Practice now in effect in SA; and
• Provided information to drivers regarding problem areas frequently identified by SafeWork SA inspectors when inspecting heavy vehicles.

Acting SafeWork SA Executive Director Bryan Russell said about the exercise: “From SafeWork SA’s perspective, the operation was a great success and any opportunity to join other government agencies on matters of public safety is always welcomed.

“There is growing awareness amongst drivers and their employers of their statutory obligations regarding the transport of dangerous goods and workplace safety issues such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits; however, several of the notices issued covered separate breaches in the same vehicles.

“Overall the level of non-compliance came in at about 20-25%, indicating some work still lies ahead for both us and the industry.”