Fatigue roadblock finds good levels of compliance
Issue Date: - Friday, 15 May 2009
A WorkSafe roadblock exercise at Port Hedland last weekend has revealed generally good compliance with fatigue safety laws, but some continuing problems with rest breaks.
The joint roadblock was conducted by WorkSafe inspectors, WA Police and Main Roads WA, with assistance from the State Emergency Service.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today the operation found there had been continuing improvements in compliance with the fatigue laws for commercial vehicles, but there was still room for improvement.
“Fatigue is still a significant occupational safety and health issue in the commercial transport industry and it’s pleasing to see that transport companies are largely in compliance with the major aspects of WA’s fatigue regulations,” Ms Lyhne said.
“On this occasion, the inspectors found that companies and drivers operating solely within WA showed a higher level of compliance with the laws than interstate operators.
“Inspectors did find some continuing problems with mandatory rest breaks, and improvement and prohibition notices were issued when breaches were discovered.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in understanding of the fatigue laws since we began conducting these roadblocks five years ago, and it seems that the industry has generally come to grips with the fact that the laws are there to ensure commercial vehicle drivers are given sufficient rest.”
A total of 171 commercial vehicles were stopped at the Port Hedland roadblock, with two improvement notices and one prohibition notice issued to drivers who had not had the mandatory seven-hour rest break.
In addition to these notices, inspectors will follow up with 30 transport companies on other fatigue-related issues such as medical checks for drivers, training of drivers and keeping proper records.
“This is a significant reduction in the number of both notices issued and follow-ups required, a pleasing result overall,” Ms Lyhne said.
“Even so, there are still a small number of companies who continue to flout the laws – in fact, a Geraldton bakery was fined $15,000 just last week in its second conviction on charges of failing to ensure its drivers took the required rest breaks.
“So 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.
“These roadblocks are an excellent example of cooperation between agencies, with valuable assistance provided to WorkSafe’s inspectors by other agencies, in particular the Office of Road Safety.
“We have been conducting these roadblocks for around five 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.”
Further information on fatigue management can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777. Hard copies of the code of practice can be purchased for $3.30 a copy, or it can be downloaded free of charge from the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 9327 8744 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).