Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 24 May 2006

Northern fatigue roadblocks show improvements in safety

A WorkSafe roadblock exercise in Port Hedland and Kununurra last week has revealed an improvement in compliance with fatigue safety laws.

The joint roadblock – conducted by inspectors from WorkSafe and WA Police – found that transport companies are now generally complying with the laws, although some problems still exist.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that it was pleasing to note that there seemed to have been a greater effort to comply with the major aspects of the fatigue regulations.

“Since WorkSafe began undertaking these roadblock exercises a couple of years ago, we have seen a steady improvement in compliance with the fatigue regulations,” Ms Lyhne said.

“It seems that the level of understanding of the regulations has risen steadily over the past few years, and the industry has come to grips with the fact that the laws are there to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers get enough rest so they can drive safely.

“Although compliance with the major aspects of the regulations such as adequate rest breaks has become widespread, there are still some areas of concern for which notices were issued.”

A total of 125 vehicles were stopped at the Port Hedland and Kununurra roadblocks, with four improvement notices and one prohibition notice issued.

In addition to these notices, inspectors will follow up with another 50 companies on other fatigue related issues.

“The pleasing result is that in general there seems to have been a greater effort to comply with the major aspects of the fatigue regulations, in particular having at least a seven hour continuous break in a 24-hour period for solo drivers,” Ms Lyhne said.

“WorkSafe inspectors also noticed a growing tendency towards having two drivers, making it easier to comply with the laws and safer in general.

“Most of the follow-ups with transport companies are on issues such as regular medical checks, training and keeping records, which are important issues.

“We are pleased with the general increase in compliance, but it is essential that we continue to remind the industry that the human body has limitations and adequate rest and sleep is essential to safely undertake long-distance driving.

“Regulations governing fatigue management for commercial vehicle drivers have been in place since July 2003, so we expect that all transport companies would have safe work practices in place by now.

“A comprehensive code of practice for the management of fatigue has been in operation in WA since 1998.  This was updated in 2003, and I would encourage every company involved in commercial vehicle transport to have a copy of the code readily available.”

Further information on fatigue and copies of the code of practice can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.

Media contact: 
Caroline De Vaney
9327 8744
0408 927563