Changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) have come into place this month which have resulted in changes to the Chain of Responsibility (COR). On 1 October 2018, the HVNL was “amended to provide that every party in the heavy vehicle transport supply chain has a duty to ensure the safety of their transport activities” (NHVR 2018). Put simply, this means that all parties in the supply chain have a primary duty and obligation to eliminate or minimise potential harm or loss and do everything reasonably practicable to ensure safety.
Parties in the supply chain can include an employer of a driver or contractor for a vehicle, an operator of the vehicle, loader or loading manager for any goods of the vehicle or a consignor or consignee of any goods in the vehicle. As a party in the supply chain, ensuring safety can be done by having safety management systems and controls in place such as business practices, training, procedures and review processes.
Although the HVNL has not yet commenced in Western Australia, it applies equally to those vehicles which cross into the jurisdictions it covers.
To find out more about the Chain of Responsibility and the recent changes, head to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator government website.
For advice regarding what this means for your business, please contact us on (08) 9316 9896 or enquiries@processworx.com.au.
