The NHVR has released a second round of common questions raised by primary producers about changes to Chain of Responsibility laws.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the information was gathered at a series of recent workshops for primary producers across Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria.
“As we travel across regional Australia we continue to address concerns raised by farmers to explain changes to the laws and how they align with workplace health and safety laws,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“As part of the heavy vehicle supply chain, primary producers have for almost a decade had the same specific legislative obligations for heavy vehicle safety as other parties in the chain.
“Although the laws will change, they will still only apply to activities that a person or business has responsibility for and could influence. In other words no one will be liable for breaches they cannot control.”
For example, farmers who contract a heavy vehicle operator:
- Don’t have to check a driver’s work diary
- Aren't responsible for the vehicle's roadworthiness
- Don’t have to check a driver’s licence or registration
“Recent statements such as farmers could be liable if a truck driver is sleepy, exceeds the speed limit on the way to or from a property, or a truck is not roadworthy are simply not true,” Mr Petroccitto said.
The latest myth-busting information is available at www.nhvr.gov.au/files/201806-0820-cor-primary-producers-more-common-questions.pdf
ENDS
Contacts:
Andrew Berkman| 0429 128 637