Amendment to fatigue regulation

An amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety (Long Distance Truck Driver Fatigue) Regulation 2005, will take effect on 1 March 2006. The Regulation will apply to heavy trucks with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or more transporting freight (either single or in a series of trips) greater that 500kms.

The amended Regulation will require employers of drivers and head carriers, undertaking this type of work, to ensure that the risk of harm arising from truck driver fatigue is either eliminated or appropriately managed. They will also need to develop and implement Driver Fatigue Management Plans (DFMPs) in consultation with their affected employees/drivers.

Consignors or consignees will have legal responsibilities if they have 200 or more employees and carry on a business of which a substantial part is a prescribed business, and falls within at least one of the following industries: agriculture, forestry and fishing, accommodation, cafes and restaurants, mining, transport and storage, manufacturing, communication services, construction, property and business services, wholesale trade, cultural and recreational services, retail trade.

WorkCover's Assistance Service (13 10 50) will be available to provide advice and assistance to industry and answer questions directly linked to the Regulation's implementation.