Posted by Hubfleet
Fatigue management is a critical component of transport safety and compliance. The NHVR Fatigue Management Standard 1 focuses on scheduling and rostering, ensuring that drivers are given adequate time to rest while meeting operational demands. For transport operators, achieving compliance with this standard can be challenging, especially when dealing with dynamic schedules, real-time data limitations, and pressure on drivers. Let’s explore how businesses can meet Standard 1 and how Hubfleet’s advanced tools can simplify compliance.
The Standard
This standard mandates that transport companies develop schedules and rosters that consider a driver’s recent work history, ability, welfare, and preference (where appropriate). The schedules must allow drivers sufficient time to complete the transport task safely and within approved operating hours.
How to Meet the Standard
To comply, businesses must have clearly documented procedures for planning, monitoring, and reviewing rosters. They need to prove that these procedures are implemented consistently. These procedures should align with the nature of their operations and existing management systems.
Challenges in Meeting the Standard
The main challenges operators face when trying to meet Standard 1:
- Difficulty in managing dynamic schedules: Many transport businesses do not have fixed schedules, and they change regularly, sometimes daily. This makes it hard to ensure that schedules comply with regulations, and that drivers have enough time to rest.
- Lack of real-time data: Some operators rely on traditional paper logbooks, which can be submitted late and are labour-intensive to process. This means allocators may lack up-to-date information on drivers’ work and rest hours, making it difficult to assess if adjusting a schedule will cause a driver to breach their operating limits. This can result in allocators assigning tasks without knowing if the driver has sufficient available hours, putting pressure on drivers.
- Pressure on drivers: Drivers may feel compelled to accept tasks even if they are fatigued or have concerns about their hours, for fear of being overlooked for future work. This can compromise safety and increase the risk of fatigue-related incidents.
- Primary duty risk: Business owners face a primary duty risk if they cannot demonstrate that they are actively managing driver fatigue. This means they must have systems in place to prevent breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and maintain a safe working environment.
How Hubfleet Helps
Hubfleet assists operators in meeting NHVR Fatigue Management Standard 1 by providing several features that enhance the planning, monitoring, and review of driver schedules. Here’s a breakdown of how Hubfleet aids compliance with Standard 1:
- Digital scheduling tools: Hubfleet allows fleet managers to create lists of common driver shifts that can be grouped into schedules. Hubfleet automatically checks created schedules against fatigue laws, identifying potential breaches before they occur. This proactive approach enables fleet managers to make necessary adjustments to ensure all planned work complies with regulations. This reduces the risk of non-compliance.
- Real-time data: Hubfleet’s EWD app sends driver records to the management portal in real time, offering allocators up-to-date information on drivers’ available hours. This helps prevent assigning tasks to drivers who may not have sufficient hours available, thereby reducing the risk of fatigue.
- Flexibility in schedule adjustments: The system provides businesses with the flexibility to adjust schedules to meet customer demands while maintaining compliance. This flexibility is crucial for managing unexpected changes and optimising operations without compromising driver safety.
- Reduced primary duty risk: By providing real-time visibility and automated checks, Hubfleet helps business owners to reduce their primary duty risk. This helps to ensure that operators are managing driver fatigue as far as is reasonably practicable.
- Clear documentation: Hubfleet assists businesses in keeping a clear record of all schedules and rosters. The system automatically stores driver work records, making it easier for operators to prove their adherence to documented procedures and schedules.
Stay Compliant & Keep Your Drivers Safe
Standard 1 is essential for the safety of drivers and the efficiency of transport operations. While managing dynamic schedules, real-time data, and driver fatigue risks can be challenging, Hubfleet provides a comprehensive solution that simplifies compliance. With digital scheduling tools, real-time data tracking, flexible adjustments, and clear documentation, businesses can effectively manage driver fatigue while reducing their primary duty risk.
Don’t leave compliance to chance—sign up for a free trial or get in touch with the Hubfleet team today to learn how our platform can help streamline your operations and enhance safety.
