Drivers and CoR

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), drivers have specific responsibilities to ensure the safety of their transport activities. Here's a breakdown of their responsibilities and how they fit into the Chain of Responsibility (CoR):

Responsibilities of a Driver under HVNL

Fatigue Management: Drivers must manage their fatigue by adhering to work and rest hour regulations. They should ensure they are well-rested before starting a trip and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue2.

Speed Management: Drivers must comply with speed limits and avoid driving at speeds that could endanger themselves or others.

Load Restraint: Drivers are responsible for ensuring that the load is properly secured to prevent it from shifting or falling off during transport.

Vehicle Maintenance: Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is in good working condition and report any defects or maintenance needs.

Mass Management: Drivers must ensure that the vehicle's load does not exceed mass limits and is distributed correctly to avoid overloading.

Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

The CoR concept ensures that all parties involved in the transport supply chain share responsibility for safety. While drivers are not considered CoR parties unless they perform additional functions, they are still subject to HVNL requirements1.

When a Driver's Role Includes Additional Responsibilities

A driver's role may include additional responsibilities such as scheduler, loader, packer, unloader, allocator, PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking), or mechanic when they perform functions beyond just driving. For example:

Scheduler: Planning transport schedules and ensuring drivers comply with work and rest hour regulations.

Loader/Unloader: Handling the loading and unloading of goods.

Packer: Assembling and securing goods for transport.

Allocator: Managing the allocation of loads to vehicles.

PCBU: Ensuring the business complies with safety regulations.

Mechanic: Performing maintenance and repairs on vehicles.

Managing Responsibilities

To manage these responsibilities effectively, drivers should:

Keep Accurate Records: Maintain logs of work and rest hours, vehicle inspections, and load details.

Communicate with Other Parties: Work closely with schedulers, loaders, and other parties to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with HVNL requirements and any changes to regulations.

Use Technology: Utilize fleet management software to track hours, monitor vehicle conditions, and manage loads.

By following these guidelines, drivers can help ensure the safety of their transport activities and comply with HVNL requirements.