Discussion paper on new Fatigue Rules released

The National Transport Commission has released a discussion paper on proposed changes to the fatigue management rules under the heavy vehicle national law.

The Department will be holding a workshop to discuss the paper next Monday which HVIA will attend.

The proposal will see the standard hours approach with the existing law replaced with a general schedule which will:

• Provide a set of work and rest hours for as many HV drivers as feasible
• Ensure that driving hours do not increase and rest hours do not decrease based on scientific evidence
• Provide flexibility to operators e.g. scheduling flexibility and drivers to assist in managing unscheduled events/unforeseen circumstances whilst driving.
• Maximise practicality;
• improve understanding of fatigue rules

NTC is seeking input on whether the proposed schedule:

• Achieves the objectives related to simplicity and flexibility
• Is practical and feasible
• Requires further development
• Faces obstacles to its implementation

And how the proposal will impact on:

• Driver health and wellbeing
• Driver safety
• Driver earnings
• Fatigue related incidents
• Ability for operators to recruit and retain heavy vehicle drivers
• Overall costs of heavy vehicle transport

Members interested in providing comment on the discussion paper should contact Greg Forbes at g.forbes@hvia.asn.au 0437923755

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