Mass offence on the road leads to action against an off road party

Following a roadside intercept where a vehicle carrying metal, aluminium and car parts was found to be substantially over mass and incorrectly restrained, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) followed the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) back to a consignor, issuing an Improvement Notice.

NHVR Investigators found the consignor had no procedures, training or induction materials in place for mass or load restraint requirements.

NHVR Acting Executive Director Statutory Compliance Belinda Hughes said this Improvement Notice reinforces the message that responsibility sits with all parties in the supply chain.

“If you are not a transport operator but you engage the services of a transport operator, you must ensure the safety of that activity, it’s a shared responsibility.”

“This particular investigation demonstrates that the NHVR will investigate all parties in the chain to ensure they meet their obligations.”

The Improvement Notice requires the consignor to develop and implement a documented risk management process, procedures, systems and staff training including control measures to manage risks associated with mass requirements.

Two improvement notices were also issued by NHVR Investigations to the operator. The notices were in relation to mass and load restraint practices.

To learn more about obligations under the CoR visit: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/safety-accreditation-compliance/chain-of-responsibility