With changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) now official, risks will need to be managed in the same way as the nation’s work, health and safety laws.
Part of these changes which came into effect on 1 October 2018 includes granting additional powers to officers from state transport authorities to inspect vehicles for breaches.
Central to the HVNL changes is the primary duty of responsibility that requires each party in the chain of responsibility for a heavy vehicle to ensure the safety of transport activities, as far as reasonably possible.
Parties must do this by eliminating and minimising public risks and working to ensure reckless behaviour or a breach of the HVNL is not encouraged or required. Examples of reckless behaviour include speeding, driving and overweight vehicle or driving while fatigued.
Under the changes every party in the supply has the responsibility to ensure safety including the driver, consignor, consignees, packers, loading managers, loaders, unloaders, schedulers and employers.
For more information about the Heavy Vehicle National Law and how it affects you click here.
Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1809/doing-your-duty-by-cor-changes
