Global Accreditation Services

The NHVR has commenced its first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws, laying charges against a company director for failing to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its safety duty.

NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said that NHVR Investigators conducted a safety duties investigation into a Victorian trucking company in relation to fatigue management of its drivers.

“We believe the company failed to comply with conditions of its fatigue management accreditation,” Ray said.

“This requirement forms part of the Heavy Vehicle National Law’s (HVNL) primary safety duty and executives are required to exercise due diligence to ensure a company complies with this duty.

“As a result of that investigation, NHVR has laid charges against both the company and the company director for failing to meet these duties.

“The aim of the HVNL is to ensure that everyone in the Chain of Responsibility is doing what they are required to do to keep road users and transport workers safe.

“We know that drivers are constantly put under pressure at the depot or the loading dock and we want to hold the people responsible accountable.

“The investigation was triggered in response to information provided to the NHVR through the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL), and other information available to the NHVR in assessing the risk the operator posed to safety."

The HVCRL provides a free, confidential way for people to report any concerns about industry safety or compliance they have to a trained specialist.

Anyone who has concerns about safety in their workplace or in any other part of the supply chain can get in contact with the NHVR through the HVCRL on 1800 931 785.

The matter is listed to be heard in Dandenong Magistrates Court on 20 February 2020. For more information visit the NHVR here.

Stay informed about how the Corona Virus is affecting our industry on our dedicated Covid-19 page.
!! Online applications to be submitted through the NHVR Portal after January 24th, 2020 !!
Communication to all NHVAS participants! National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Temporary Business Rules & Standards Changes effective 25 March 2020 The NHVR will be making some temporary changes to the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) medical requirements and face-to-face audit requirements, in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The following arrangements will be in place for the next six months, when we will review if they need to continue. These changes are: heavy vehicle drivers operating under Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) or Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) accreditations may continue to drive with an expired driver medical, until they can practicably obtain one auditors can undertake all document and records validation and audits remotely, requesting electronic copies be emailed to them or by another suitable method and conducting conversations over the phone where applicable. Remote Auditing The NHVR recognises the impacts that the coronavirus pandemic is having on the ability to conduct audits in person. To enable NHVAS processes to continue, a temporary change has been made to the Business Rules and Standards that will allow remote ‘off-site’ auditing. Your auditor may now: request that documents and records are sent to them electronically conduct interviews with operator representatives via telephone The change has been approved on the basis that suitable controls are used to ensure that the auditor’s conclusion can be substantiated with reliable and credible evidence. You must still: Ensure policies, procedures and records are made available for analysis Ensure parties are available for interview where necessary Follow the normal process for audits to be approved Expired BFM & AFM Driver Medicals In recognition of the limited amount of medical practitioners currently available, the amended NHVAS Business Rules and Standards allow a driver to continue to drive, even if their medical has expired after 1 February 2020, until such time as they are able to secure an examination and medical confirmation. It continues to remain the responsibility of all NHVAS accredited operators to ensure drivers under AFM or BFM are fit for duty, including the need to undertake related risk assessments and have in place suitable risk controls. Accredited operators must also ensure their Register of Drivers is kept up to date, noting any expired medicals to be obtained as soon as reasonably practicable. General If you are experiencing any issues associated with meeting your accreditation requirements due to the current coronavirus situation, or require further advice regarding these changes, please contact the NHVAS Team on 07 3309 8770 as soon as possible. Most importantly, if you believe there may be issues in having an audit completed please ensure that you contact the NHVR as soon as possible and certainly before your accreditation expires. We will be assessing situations on a case-by-case basis so we can ensure the safe, productive operation of the heavy vehicle industry for the benefit of all Australians. Kind regards, Darrin Rasmussen Manager (Accreditation) Safety Standards & Assurance National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
NHVR commences first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws The NHVR has commenced its first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws, laying charges against a company director for failing to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its safety duty. NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said that NHVR Investigators conducted a safety duties investigation into a Victorian trucking company in relation to fatigue management of its drivers. “We believe the company failed to comply with conditions of its fatigue management accreditation,” Ray said. “This requirement forms part of the Heavy Vehicle National Law’s (HVNL) primary safety duty and executives are required to exercise due diligence to ensure a company complies with this duty. “As a result of that investigation, NHVR has laid charges against both the company and the company director for failing to meet these duties. “The aim of the HVNL is to ensure that everyone in the Chain of Responsibility is doing what they are required to do to keep road users and transport workers safe. “We know that drivers are constantly put under pressure at the depot or the loading dock and we want to hold the people responsible accountable. “The investigation was triggered in response to information provided to the NHVR through the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL), and other information available to the NHVR in assessing the risk the operator posed to safety." The HVCRL provides a free, confidential way for people to report any concerns about industry safety or compliance they have to a trained specialist. Anyone who has concerns about safety in their workplace or in any other part of the supply chain can get in contact with the NHVR through the HVCRL on 1800 931 785. The matter is listed to be heard in Dandenong Magistrates Court on 20 February 2020. For more information visit the NHVR here.
*Traffic alert - effective 19th March to August 2020* [REFERENCE: RoadFreight RMS ... 13th March 2020] Changed traffic conditions on Newell Highway near Finley Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on the Newell Highway, four kilometres south of Finley, while construction of a new southbound overtaking lane takes place. Work involves new temporary line marking to reduce the width of the northbound and southbound lanes to 3.2 metres, closure of road shoulders and installation of concrete safety barriers. Lane reductions and shoulder closures will be in place from Thursday 19 March until August 2020 when the new lane is expected to be completed, weather permitting. Heavy vehicle drivers are advised signs and wide load bays will be located at both ends of the construction area. Lanes measure 3.2 metres with 0.5 metre road shoulders in both direction. Vehicles over four metres wide use wide load bays provided and follow advice on signage. For the safety of workers and motorists, reduced speed limits will be in place during work hours from 7am to 6pm weekdays and 7am to 5pm Saturdays, and a reduced speed limit of 80 km/h will be in place after hours, which may affect travel times. Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks the community for its patience while work is carried out. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701. All online NHVAS applications through the NHVR Portal [NHVR Industry Update ... 17 January 2020] Since Monday 2 December 2019 you have been able to submit NHVAS applications online through the NHVR Portal. To help people transition to the Portal, we also kept the old NVHR website submission platform available for online applications with a note that it would soon be removed. On Friday 24 January 2020 the NHVR website submission will be removed and all online applications must then go through the NHVR Portal. The NHVR Portal allows you to not only to submit an application, but manage all your NHVAS records. Benefits of using the NHVR Portal: submitting an application managing your account information reviewing your application status reviewing your accreditation status reviewing driving and vehicle lists paying for your application viewing payment history tracking audit associated responsibilities For more information on getting started, click here Please note: you can still submit by normal post and fax.
INDUSTRY NEWS ... UPDATES & ARCHIVES [click a logo to see bulletins, articles & newsletters]
On the Road. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Industry Newsletter Issue 81 - 25 March 2020 (opens in new window) In this issue ... NHVR extends supplementary record use to 30 days Update on cross-border travel NHVR reducing burden on industry accreditation Simple steps to avoid coronavirus Issue 80 - 25 March 2020 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Cross Border Arrangments Practice Personal Hygiene Amenity restrictions lifted from essential freight permits Issue 79 - 16 March 2020 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Simple steps to avoid Coronavirus NHVR urges caution over spate of grape spills Report puts livestock supply chain in safety focus HAVE YOUR SAY … Industry Safety Survey (open until 31 March) Watch your speed in B-triples Issue 78 - 4 March 2020 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Portal and database modernising heavy vehicle safety and productivity Fatigue Choices for work and rest hour flexibility New booklet for AFM preparation Customer Portal Training - Adelaide, South Australia Issue 77 - 17 February 2020 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Fatigue technology found to deliver safety benefits Last chance to get in your heavy vehicle safety ideas Minor law changes on the horizon NHVR commences first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws Issue 76 - 4 February 2020 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Heavy vehicle industry reviews should align for better outcome NHVR officers lending hand to fire-impacted communities Issue 75 - 21 January 2020 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Body worn cameras to be rolled out to NHVR officers Female truck drivers say enough is enough to road toll NHVR Portal Bytes - accreditation and vehicle standards update Truck Driver Info Days kick off for 2020 Stop and think about road safety Issue 74 - 10 December 2019 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Queensland OSOM processing to transfer to NHVR National fatigue operation underway Victorian transitions escort services and on-road compliance to the NHVR Christmas and New Year's hours PBS demo day in Bundaberg a great success PBs access improved at Port of Brisbane Minor regulation amendments for bus and road train mass Issue 73 - 27 November 2019 (opens in new window) In this issue ... AFM Study supports move to flexible and risk-based approach to fatigue Accreditation services set to join the NHVR Portal New permit scheme benefits Queensland crane industry Jacobson urges drivers to tell a mate about heavy vehicle safety Productivity commission draft report backs improved safety outcomes Kamili gets OSOM access Issue 72 - 12 November 2019 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Application call for heavy vehicle safety funding NHVR expands Personal Use Exemption to AFM & BFM Vehicle Standards self-service saves time for operators Permit applicatoins fast-tracked for firefighting response Annual report now available Issue 71 - 29 October 2019 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Victoria to transition services to NHVR NHVR and partner agencies investigate Victorian companies Wine Industry Day prepares industry for 2019 harvest New board members appointed to heavy vehicle regulator Return of Class 1 delegations in Queensland Issue 70 - 14 October 2019 (opens in new window) In this issue ... 9 in 10 compliant with permit conditions Top access Tips for Operators New NHVR Portal service goes live! Issue 69 - 30 September 2019 (opens in new window) In this issue ... Be a Safety Champion Vehicle standards reform presents opportunity to take PBS scheme to the next level New road rules announced in Tasmania Livestock safety boost as unloading frame trial underway Interest in EWDs growing Issue 68 - 16 September 2019 (opens in new window) In this issue ... New safety campaign for truckies and caravaners to co-exist NHVR recommendations aimed at keeping drivers safe Great conversations at national truck driver info day Feedback sought on CoR tools NHVR Portal Access permits customer training NHVR Portal - password security upgrade Issue 67 - 3 September 2019 (opens in a new window) In this issue ... National approach key to modern, efficient heavy vehicle access Quarterly snapshot Supercars star heads new road safety campaign NHVR calls for feedback on grain schemes NHVR to trial new PBS design approval process Portal customer training back to top
Australian Trucking Association Australian Trucking Association [25/03/2020] TRUCKING INDUSTRY WELCOMES ACTION ON DRIVER MEDICAL The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has thanked the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for its response to industry feedback, in today announcing changes to the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme medical and face-to-face audit requirements. “Many truck drivers, including drivers who operate under NHVAS fatigue accreditation are required to have regular medicals. The trucking industry is working hard to keep Australia moving amidst the pandemic, but we need to take as much pressure off the health system as possible,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said. “I would like to thank Sal Petroccitto and the NHVR for listening to the industry and taking action to reduce pressure on trucking businesses, drivers and the health system,” he said. For the next six months, the following arrangements will be in place: heavy vehicle drivers operating under Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) or Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) accreditations may continue to drive with an expired driver medical, until they can practicably obtain one auditors can undertake all document and records validation and audits remotely, requesting electronic copies be emailed to them or by another suitable method and conducting conversations over the phone where applicable. “Our next priority is to argue that a similar approach should be applied to dangerous goods and multi-combination licence medicals,” Mr Maguire said. The ATA has outlined an approach that would enable governments to reduce the number of unnecessary doctors’ appointments, while still requiring medicals for drivers with a higher risk of medical issues. The Australian Trucking Association and its member associations collectively represent the businesses and people of the Australian trucking industry. Together, the ATA and its members are committed to safety, professionalism and viability. Media contact: Emily Mills \| 02 6253 6900 \| 017 211 441 \| emily.mills@truck.net.au View online here TRUCKING INDUSTRY UNITES TO REJECT TAX INCREASE [20 November 2019] Australia’s trucking operators have unanimously and emphatically rejected a proposal to dramatically increase the truck fuel tax and registration charges. The trucking industry reached the decision at the meeting of the Australian Trucking Association General Council today, ahead of a transport ministers’ meeting on Friday. At the meeting, ministers will consider increasing the truck fuel tax and registration charges by 11.8 per cent over three years – equivalent to a 3 cent per litre increase in fuel tax and a $734 increase in registration charges for a prime mover and semi-trailer. ATA Chair Geoff Crouch said that any increase in taxes and charges would have a devastating effect on the small and family businesses that make up the vast majority of the industry. “The trucking industry already pays too much for our use of the roads, as the independent government agency that advises on these charges has conceded. “For example, the projected over-recovery for 2018-19 was $189.5 million –money that trucking operators should have been able to use to employ more staff and buy new equipment. “Our members would be trying to recover these extra taxes and charges from their customers at a time when rural and regional Australia is suffering from an extreme drought, and urban trucking operators are struggling to deal with governments’ failure to regulate toll road and port access charges. “That’s why the trucking industry is calling on transport ministers to reject the proposed increase. “Ridiculously, officials have told us that we will be consulted about the increase after the meeting. There’s no point in holding consultations after a decision is made, so we are working flat out to get the right result for industry now,” he said. The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 business and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, the ATA and its members are committed to safety, professionalism and viability. The resolution is below. Media contact: Emily Mills \| 02 6253 6900 \| 0417 211 441 \| emily.mills@truck.net.au HEAVY VEHICLE CHARGES That the ATA General Council— 1. Reminds governments that the existing heavy vehicle charging system has long overcharged trucking businesses, with the National Transport Commission projecting a $189.5 million over-recovery of charges for 2018-19. 2. Reminds governments that large areas of Australia are in drought conditions and that rural and regional Australia is reliant on cost effective road freight transport. 3. Reminds governments that urban road freight transport operators have experienced very large increases in toll road and port access charges, without any effective regulatory response. 4. Affirms its previous position that trucking operators should not be overcharged. 5. Notes with extreme concern that transport ministers are set to consider a proposal that would increase heavy vehicle charges by a further 11.8 per cent over three years. 6. Notes that there has been no consultation with industry about the proposal -- which is totally unacceptable -- and that any consultation they hold after the meeting is against the principles of fair and due process. 7. Warns that the vast majority of trucking businesses are small and family businesses and do not have the capacity to pass on fuel tax and registration charge increases. 8. Calls on transport ministers to emphatically reject the proposed increase. Moved: Denis Robertson Seconded: David Smith CARRIED BY ACCLAMATION ATA WELCOMES EXTRA HOUR FOR PERSONAL USE The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed a move from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to expand the personal use exemption for drivers operating under Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM). The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 business and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, we are committed to safety, professionalism and viability. The exemption was first introduced in 2018 for drivers on standard hours, with the new extension to allow truck drivers operating under BFM and AFM to use their trucks for a short extra period during their 24-hour stationary rest break. “This means that BFM and AFM drivers will now have the flexibility to refuel their truck, run errands or wash their truck during their 24-hour break,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said. “The flexibility will particularly benefit drivers who have to take their rest break away from home and have no other vehicle they can use to get into town to run errands. “Importantly, the extra hour cannot be used for commercial purposes such as driving a truck to a mechanic for repairs,” he said. The extension follows calls from the ATA to treat drivers like humans, not machines. It comes as welcome news and a positive step towards more flexible fatigue management. “The ATA is fully supportive of any initiative that will improve the quality of life and wellbeing of Australia’s truck drivers – those who keep our country moving,” he said. In its submission to the Heavy Vehicle National Law review issues paper on effective fatigue management, the ATA called for a number of additional flexible fatigue management solutions, including easier to use work diaries, a length incentive for operators that fit wider sleeper cabs, and an extra hour to get home for drivers using the ATA’s new version of standard hours. View the ATA’s Effective Fatigue Management submission REDUCE AUDITS, IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY [16th September, 2019 / Australian Trucking Association] Reduced audits and independent accreditation are critical to improving trucking safety and productivity, Chair of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Geoff Crouch, said today. The ATA and its member associations collectively represent the 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together, we are committed to safety, professionalism and viability. In his opening address today at the Australian Trucking Association and Australian Logistics Council Supply Chain Safety Summit in Sydney, Mr Crouch emphasised the need for law reform to address duplication and unnecessary complication surrounding compliance audits. “The Australian trucking industry has come a long way since the Heavy Vehicle National Law was introduced, but we cannot rest on our laurels,” Mr Crouch said. “There are still problems within the law, which is why we called for a review. “It has failed to increase our industry’s productivity and failed to address the growing number of customer audits that trucking businesses are required to undertake. Mr Crouch said the audits are costly, time-consuming, generally cover the same ground and are of little legal value. The ATA’s vision for the new heavy vehicle law includes a separate, voluntary, safety-based system for operators that need even more flexibility. “We want to see the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator regulate accreditation scheme providers, not run one,” Mr Crouch said. “This would improve productivity and provide greater benefit to operators by reducing the need for multiple scheme and customer audits. Most importantly, it would be a big step improving safety outcomes,” he said. Mr Crouch said he looked forward to discussion during the Summit about the other barriers to streamlining compliance audits. “This is about ensuring a safer industry, reducing audits, stronger regulation and competitive neutrality – there has never been a better time for transformational change in how we improve safety,” he said. "It's Happening! COR Sense Prevails In line with accepted best practice and the changes to duties under section 26C of the HVN. The grapevine says Boral have ceased face to face audits of their transport partners and are winding back their requirements for subcontractor documentation. They are now using a simple questionnaire and if they require further information or evidence of safety compliance they’ll request it. Well done Boral we need more like you." Sue Bottrell \| Specialist Legal/ Safety Consultant - Contractor Management at ContractorSAFE

MEDIA & UPDATES FROM OTHER INDUSTRY SOURCES
IMPROVED ACCESS ON NEWELL HIGHWAY FOR 36.5m LONG VEHICLES communication from RMS - 29 October, 2019 We are very pleased to advise that the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads has recently announced access for 36.5 metre long vehicles on the Newell Highway through Coonabarabran. Vehicles will now be able to travel through Coonabarabran on the Newell Highway under the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice and associated NSW Higher Mass Limits Declaration. Eligible vehicles up to 36.5 metres long will include Modular B-Triples; B-Triples; AB-Triples and Type 1 Modern Road Trains. The NSW legally enforceable network maps will be updated to reflect this access is now approved. The approval of this access is a significant step towards optimising heavy vehicle safety and productivity and achieving end to end access on the Newell Highway for 36.5 metre long vehicles. Transport for NSW will continue to focus on improving access across NSW; developing and expanding pre-approved and gazetted networks; and addressing remaining access constraints. The Minister’s media release can be found at: https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/about/news-events/news/ministerial/2019/191026-moving-more-with-less-road-freight-through-coonabarabran.html
FACT SHEET ... Master Industry Code of Practice [click the image to view]
Truck drivers should be routinely tested for SLEEP APNOEA 👨‍🔬There have been several studies that show having sleep apnoea can multiply the risk of motor vehicle accidents (2-7 times more likely). It is for this reason the licensing authorities want to know about sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea affects people differently. VicRoads states: "Each driver is reviewed individually to determine the outcome that is best for the safety of the individual and the community." 💤If you have sleep apnoea and are sleepy behind the wheel, then yes, you should do something about it, for your own and others safety. Our experience suggests that the overall clinical picture is taken into account and that a diagnosis of sleep apnoea alone is not enough for your licence to be revoked. If you think you have Sleep Apnoea and you believe it is affecting your performance on the road, please talk to your GP or Specialist about it. 📰Recent Guardian article on Sleep Apnoea and driving ➡️https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/sep/30/truck-drivers-should-be-routinely-tested-for-sleep-apnoea 👨‍✈️VicRoads information on reporting medical conditions. ➡️https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/health-and-driving/medical-conditions-and-driving/sleep-disorders back to top



NHVAS Business Rule & Standards ... August 2019 changes After a minor change to the requirements to be accepted as a NHVAS auditor a new version of the NHVAS Business Rules & Standards (Version 2.4) have been released. The change involves the ability for the NHVR to recognise an auditor’s lead auditor qualification that has been issued by a body other than a JAZ-ANZ accredited body. [click the image to view the PDF document] back to top

MEDIA

Communication to all NHVAS participants!

NHVR commences first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws

Changed traffic conditions on Newell Highway near Finley

All online NHVAS applications through the NHVR Portal

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On the Road. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Industry Newsletter

Australian Trucking Association

Australian Trucking Association

FACT SHEET ...
Master Industry Code of Practice [click the image to view]

Truck drivers should be routinely tested for SLEEP APNOEA

NHVAS Business Rule & Standards ... August 2019 changes

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Communication to all NHVAS participants!

NHVR commences first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws

Changed traffic conditions on Newell Highway near Finley

All online NHVAS applications through the NHVR Portal

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On the Road. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Industry Newsletter

Australian Trucking Association

Australian Trucking Association

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