Posted by Hubfleet
In the Australian heavy vehicle road transport industry, Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws mandate that all parties involved in the supply chain share responsibility for ensuring safety. For fleet managers and executives, effectively discharging these duties involves a thorough understanding of the transport activities performed by their business. This article focuses on mapping these activities, identifying associated hazards and risks, and implementing measures to prevent breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
Mapping Heavy Vehicle Activities
The first step in discharging CoR duties is to comprehensively map out all heavy vehicle activities within your operation. These activities encompass the entire logistics process, from loading and transporting to unloading goods. Key activities include:
- Loading: Ensuring goods are correctly and safely loaded onto vehicles.
- Transporting: Moving goods from the point of origin to the destination.
- Unloading: Safely removing goods from the vehicle at the destination.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspecting and servicing vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy.
- Scheduling: Planning routes and delivery times to optimise efficiency and compliance with fatigue management regulations.
By mapping out these activities, you can gain a clear understanding of where potential risks may arise.
Identifying Hazards and Risks
Once you have mapped out your transport activities, the next step is to identify hazards and risks associated with each activity. This involves conducting a thorough risk assessment to pinpoint areas that could potentially compromise safety. Consider the following:
- Loading and Unloading Hazards: Improperly secured loads, uneven weight distribution, and unsafe loading practices can lead to accidents during transport.
- Transport Risks: Driver fatigue, adverse weather conditions, and road hazards can increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Maintenance Risks: Inadequate vehicle maintenance can result in mechanical failures and unsafe driving conditions.
- Scheduling Risks: Unrealistic delivery schedules can pressure drivers to exceed speed limits or work excessive hours, leading to fatigue and increased accident risk.
Identifying these hazards and risks allows you to implement targeted measures to mitigate them.
Preventing Breaches of HVNL
To ensure compliance with CoR laws, it is crucial that your business does not directly or indirectly cause or encourage drivers or other CoR parties to breach the HVNL. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
- Establish Clear Policies: Develop and enforce comprehensive policies that prioritise safety and compliance with HVNL. Ensure that all employees and contractors are aware of these policies and their responsibilities under CoR laws.
- Implement Training Programs: Provide regular training for drivers and other personnel on safe practices, HVNL requirements, and the importance of compliance. Training should cover topics such as fatigue management, load security, and safe driving techniques.
- Monitor Compliance: Use technology to monitor compliance with HVNL. Telematics systems can track driver behavior, including speed, hours of service, and route adherence. Regularly review this data to identify and address any potential issues.
- Promote a Safety Culture: Foster a culture where safety is the top priority. Encourage open communication about safety concerns and ensure that employees feel supported in making safe decisions. Recognise and reward safe practices to reinforce positive behavior.
- Collaborate with CoR Parties: Work closely with other parties in the supply chain to ensure that everyone understands their CoR obligations. Share information and collaborate on safety initiatives to reduce risks across the entire logistics process.
- Conduct Regular Audits: Perform regular audits of your transport activities to identify any areas of non-compliance or potential risk. Use these audits to continuously improve your safety practices and ensure adherence to CoR laws.
Conclusion
Discharging duties under Chain of Responsibility laws requires a proactive approach to mapping transport activities, identifying hazards and risks, and implementing measures to prevent breaches of the HVNL. By thoroughly understanding your heavy vehicle activities and taking steps to mitigate risks, you can ensure compliance with CoR laws and promote a safer transport environment. For fleet managers and executives, this not only protects the business from legal repercussions but also enhances overall operational efficiency and safety.
Simplify your compliance efforts and ensure you meet your CoR obligations with Hubfleet. Hubfleet’s innovative solutions, including its Electronic Work Diary (EWD) and comprehensive safety management system, help businesses monitor compliance, manage risks, and enhance operational safety. Sign up for a free trial or contact us today to discover how Hubfleet can support your business in meeting its CoR responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
