NT WorkSafe has published new guidance material on managing the risks of fatigue when driving heavy vehicles.
The Northern Territory government has not adopted the fatigue management aspects of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations (HVNL), and is instead regulated by NT WorkSafe.
The new guide is intended to assist heavy vehicle owners and operators in the Northern Territory in developing and implementing appropriate fatigue management systems to eliminate or minimise the risks of fatigue.
In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively
Included in the guide is a sample fatigue management system plan and checklist, a risk assessment guide, and a sample driving record.
NT WorkSafe executive director Peggy Cheong says the guide was developed in consultation with the road transport industry, including specific input from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, the Northern Territory Road Transport Association, the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, and the Transport Workers Union.
“I would like to thank our key stakeholders for taking the time to assist in the development of this resource for the wider benefit of the road transport industry,” Cheong says.
The guide also outlines recommended maximum work time for drivers, and the necessary breaks.
For every five hours driving, they recommend a 20 minute break, and for every 24 hours driving, there should be seven continuous hours of non-work time.
While this guide was developed with the focus of providing assistance to the heavy vehicle industry, they urge other sectors to implement these practices.
You can find the guide through NT WorkSafe’s website here.