Posted by Hubfleet
Driver health and fitness for duty are crucial components of fatigue management and transport safety. NHVR Fatigue Management Standard 2 focuses on ensuring that drivers are physically and mentally fit to perform their duties safely. Compliance with this standard requires operators to have structured policies in place for medical assessments, fit-for-duty declarations, and adequate recovery time for drivers. Let’s take a look at how businesses can meet Standard 2 and how Hubfleet’s digital solutions streamline compliance.
The Standard
This standard requires drivers to be physically and mentally fit to safely perform their duties and to meet specified medical requirements. Operators need a system in place to ensure this, including providing adequate time off for drivers to recover from work-induced fatigue.
How to Meet the Standard
Operators need documented procedures for drivers to report unfit-for-duty situations, both before and during work. Drivers must undergo medical examinations, including an assessment for sleep disorders, as per Austroads’ guidelines. The frequency is every three years for drivers under 49 and annually for those 50 or older.
Challenges in Meeting the Standard
Here are the main challenges businesses face when trying to meet Standard 2:
- Implementing fit-for-duty procedures: Operators need a policy that states that drivers must assess whether they are fit for duty, due to any lifestyle, health, or medical issue, before and during work. Additionally, drivers must advise their employer if they are unfit for duty. Ensuring drivers adhere to these procedures requires clear communication, training, and a robust reporting system.
- Maintaining records: Operators must keep records of driver medicals, policies related to driver health, and procedures to address driver wellbeing and state of fatigue. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is essential for compliance and can be a challenge without a suitable system.
- Providing time off for recovery: Operators are required to provide drivers with adequate time off to recover from or to prepare for the fatigue effects of work. This requires careful scheduling and rostering practices, which must also account for the driver’s wellbeing and personal commitments, adding a layer of complexity to schedule management.
How Hubfleet Helps
Here’s a breakdown of how Hubfleet supports operators in meeting Standard 2:
- Storing medical records: Hubfleet provides a system for storing driver medical records, including certificates, on the platform. This feature centralises all medical documentation, making it easier to manage and access required information.
- Managing expiry dates: The system includes reminders for both drivers and fleet managers about medical certificate expiry dates. This proactive alert system ensures that drivers’ medical certifications remain current, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
- Custom fit-for-duty questions: Hubfleet enables businesses to implement custom fit-for-duty questionnaires that drivers must complete at the start of each shift. These questionnaires help drivers assess their own fitness for duty, addressing key aspects such as health, fatigue and wellbeing, and ensuring they are fit to safely operate a vehicle.
- Centralised record keeping: All completed fit-for-duty declarations are automatically stored with each shift record on the web portal. This functionality ensures a clear and easily auditable record of drivers’ fitness for duty.
- Accessible records: Drivers can easily access their individual medical certificates and other documents on their mobile devices via the Hubfleet EWD app. This ensures that drivers have access to their required medical information, making it easier to comply with regulations.
Making Driver Fitness a Priority
Ensuring drivers are fit for duty is a fundamental part of maintaining safety and compliance in the transport industry. NHVR Fatigue Management Standard 2 places responsibility on operators to manage driver health effectively. By using digital solutions like Hubfleet, businesses can simplify compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure accurate record-keeping.
Take control of driver health management today—sign up for a free trial or contact the Hubfleet team to see how our platform can help streamline your compliance process and promote a safer working environment.
