First livestock fatigue template gets green light

11-09-2015

The first operator has now been accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Livestock Transport Fatigue Management Scheme (LTFMS), providing access to a flexible work arrangement that will save time and money.

Goondiwindi owner driver Pat Mulligan, currently subcontracts to a large SEQ livestock transport business and welcomes the flexibility that the scheme provides his operations.

"The scheme will be of great benefit during busy work periods as the livestock industry continues to function outside of a traditional working week.

"The majority of my work involves travelling long distances in outback regions over a variety of road surfaces. This flexibility helps me transport the livestock to their destination in one trip, rather than pull up short to have a seven hour break with the cattle on board, which can affect the welfare of the animals", Mr Mulligan said

NHVR Executive Director, Productivity and Safety, Geoff Casey said the scheme provides all the relevant tools for operators and owners to gain Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) accreditation and effectively manage their fatigue and safety concerns.

"The LTFMS allows operators to apply for AFM accreditation to work up to 14 hours on a day, as part of a fortnightly cycle with 'risk off-setting' restrictions around driving between midnight and 4am and more frequent stops for welfare checking.

"The scheme provides livestock transport operators with a template to manage their work and rest hours in a way which is suitable to the unique demands they face.

"The template approach reduces the red tape needed to gain accreditation while providing operators with fatigue management practices and policies that balances efficiency with safety.

"A safer heavy vehicle industry means a safer network for all road users and through implementing schemes like this one we are playing our part in helping to make this a reality", said Mr Casey.

Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) National President Grant Robins welcomed the first successful application under the LTFMS template.

"This first approval is great news for all potential applicants. There can be no doubt that assessments made under the new template system are dramatically faster and cheaper than under the standard AFM system.

"It is exactly the result that industry had hoped for and I would encourage all interested operators to seriously consider this AFM option", said Mr Robins.

Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ) President David Scott said that the template was a great option for livestock carriers in Queensland.

"The ALRTA and LRTAQ worked closely with the NHVR to develop a safe and attractive AFM option for livestock carriers.

"Queensland is a big state. The scheme provides operators with the flexibility needed to get drivers home safely from long trips so they can have better quality rest with improved access to amenities", said Mr Scott.

Further information on the scheme can be found at www.nhvr.gov.au/livestockfatiguescheme

 

Contact: Fraser Thomas | 0419 092 510