| WorkSafe Division MEDIA RELEASE |
21 August 2018
Roadblock exercises continue to measure compliance with fatigue laws
WorkSafe continues to participate in roadblock exercises, with the latest one revealing a reasonable level of compliance with fatigue management and related laws.
WorkSafe recently participated in a joint roadblock operation undertaken by Main Roads WA and also involving WA Police.
The exercise saw WorkSafe inspectors stationed at the road train assembly area at Northam conducting inspections of commercial vehicles to check whether they were in compliance with WA’s fatigue management laws.
A total of 72 commercial vehicles were assessed by WorkSafe inspectors, and 16 transport companies are currently undergoing follow-up inspections. Over the course of the roadblock, 13 improvement notices and one prohibition notice were issued.
WorkSafe Director of Industrial and Regional Chris Kirwin said today that, although compliance with fatigue management laws was reasonably good, there were still companies that were not fully complying with their obligations.
“It seems employers are largely in compliance with WA’s fatigue management laws,” Mr Kirwin said.
“But these roadblocks are still finding problems with record keeping, mandatory medical checks for drivers, appropriate sleeper cabs and driver training.
“A comprehensive code of practice for the management of fatigue has been in place since 1998, and it was updated in 2003 when the regulations came into effect. All transport companies need to ensure they have this code in their workplaces and are following it.
“WorkSafe has been involved in roadblock exercises for around 13 years, and the commercial transport industry seems to have come to grips with the fatigue laws over that time.
“Most employers now seem to understand that the laws are there to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers are given sufficient rest to allow them to function efficiently.
“However, it is always worth reminding the industry that the human body has limitations, and adequate sleep and rest are essential to safely undertake long-distance driving.
“Even though compliance with the laws has increased over the years, there is no room for complacency. WorkSafe plans to continue monitoring the industry on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance levels don’t drop off.”
Further information on fatigue management can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877. The code of practice can be downloaded from WorkSafe’s website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Media Contact: Caroline De Vaney, 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only) caroline.devaney@dmirs.wa.gov.au
If you have concerns contact Western Roads Federation, and dont forget the major event on the 18 Sep to help address business risk and compliance.
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