Issue Date:  -  Friday, 24 November 2006

Fatigue roadblocks reveal continuing improvement in compliance

A WorkSafe roadblock exercise at Carrabin near Merredin last weekend has revealed further improvement in compliance with fatigue safety laws.

The joint roadblock was conducted by WorkSafe inspectors, WA Police and Main Roads, with assistance from the State Emergency Service, Merredin Roadwise, the Shire of Westonia and South Australia Transport Safety Compliance.

WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Gail McGowan said today the operation found that transport companies were generally complying with the laws for commercial vehicles, but there was still room for improvement.

“It’s pleasing to see that transport companies are largely in compliance with the major aspects of WA’s fatigue regulations, but we must keep in mind that fatigue is still a significant occupational safety and health issue in the commercial transport industry,” Ms McGowan said.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in understanding of the fatigue laws over the past couple of years, and it seems that the industry has come to grips with the fact that the laws are there to ensure commercial vehicle drivers are given sufficient rest.

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

A total of 199 commercial vehicles were stopped at the Carrabin roadblock, with nine improvement notices and three prohibition notices issued.

In addition to these notices, inspectors will follow up with another 70 transport companies on other fatigue related issues such as medical checks for drivers, training of drivers and keeping proper records.

“Although we’re pleased with the improvement in compliance, it is worth reminding the industry that the human body has limitations and adequate sleep and rest is essential to safely undertake long-distance driving,” Ms McGowan said.

“Last weekend’s roadblock also proved to be an excellent example of cooperation between agencies, with valuable assistance provided to WorkSafe’s inspectors by other agencies.

“The Merredin Police provided valuable assistance – as WA Police has with previous roadblocks – and the Shire of Westonia helped by constructing an area in which trucks could be safely stopped for the inspections.

“Merredin Roadwise and the SES assisted by providing hospitality and equipment, while Main Roads and Eucla Police were stationed at the WA/SA border and SA Transport Safety Compliance was stationed at Ceduna, ensuring that inspectors could properly time drivers’ trips.

“We have been conducting these roadblocks for a couple of years now, and we intend to continue monitoring the commercial transport industry with roadblocks for some time to come.

“A comprehensive code of practice for the management of fatigue has been in operation in WA since 1998, and it was updated in 2003 when the regulations came into effect.

“I would encourage any company involved in commercial vehicle transport to have copies of the code of practice available to all employees.”

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.