The NHVR and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) have both praised the commitment shown by several leading Australian distribution and retail companies to improving heavy vehicle safety ahead of new Chain of Responsibility laws coming into effect in mid-2018.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto told a safety workshop hosted by Metcash, Coles, Woolworths and Bluescope that the heavy vehicle supply chain was making significant progress to improve heavy vehicle safety, while ALC Managing Director Michael Kilgariff noted that today's event clearly demonstrates industry is taking proactive steps to ensure compliance with new laws.
"During this year we have worked closely with many companies including owners of major distribution centres to ensure their safety management systems will meet the provisions of the new laws," Mr Petroccitto said.
"Under the new laws coming in mid-2018, the entire heavy vehicle supply chain will be required to take steps to deliver a safer road transport industry with many companies looking to transition to, or improve their existing safety management systems."
The NHVR has delivered more than 100 information and education sessions during 2017 as part of the introduction to the new laws, and ALC similarly made the coming changes the primary focus of its 2017 ALC Supply Chain Safety & Compliance Summit, held in early September.
"Today's workshop represents an important step in the evolution of ALC's Retail Logistics Safety Code (RLSC), which was first established in 2006," Mr Kilgariff said
"The discussions today will help ensure the RLSC remains an effective tool for delivering safety improvements as industry transitions to the new laws.
"ALC's commitment to supporting improved industry safety also includes our effort with the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) to develop a Master Code for heavy vehicle safety, capable of being registered under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
"The Master Code will make it easier for duty holders to understand their obligations, and develop appropriate risk management processes."
For more information on heavy vehicle safety and fact sheets on the new Chain of Responsibility laws go to www.nhvr.gov.au/cor
Contact:
NHVR – Andrew Berkman | 0429 128 637
ALC – Simon Morgan | 0403 477 131