More trucks prohibited by the NHVR for defects
The NHVR has issued another prohibition notice following alleged repeated vehicle defects and concerns about an operator’s safety management systems.
The regulator reports that a further 24 defect notices were issued following its initial inspections. What isn’t clear is how many of those notices were for major or minor defects.
As I’ve been warning operators, the NHVR is looking at your numbers. Some may think minor defects don’t matter, but I am seeing the Regulator using the number of minor defects to argue there is a pattern of non compliance.
Defect notices, infringements and repeat non-compliance are being examined to identify patterns and draw conclusions about whether your safety management systems are adequate and effective. It’s no longer just about the individual defect.
It’s about what your defect history says about your business.
Where there is no right of appeal against defects and where they can be very subjective, this places companies in a difficult position.
There is, however, one positive distinction in this case.
The prohibition notice restricted the operation of two specific vehicles, rather than grounding the entire company and Director.
My message to operators remains the same: Know your numbers. Review your defect history. Identify recurring issues and, importantly, document what you are doing about them.
Don’t wait for the NHVR to identify the pattern for you.