Guidelines for Managing Heavy Vehicle Drivers Fatigue
Course Overview
On 29 September 2008, new national road transport Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue laws commenced. They introduced revised work and rest limits for heavy vehicle drivers and require better management of driver fatigue. For the first time, the reform makes all parties of the supply chain legally accountable for the prevention of driver fatigue. There are severe penalties in place for breaching the new heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws, with individuals facing up to $50,000 in fines.
Driver Fatigue is known to be a major factor in road accidents with 20-30% of long distance road transport accidents having fatigue as contributory factor.
The Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue Reform includes:- A greater emphasis on opportunities for sleep and rest.
- Strengthened record-keeping provisions.
- Risk-based categorisation of offences and a revised range of sanctions.
- Enhanced enforcement powers.
- Three fatigue-management options providing alternative drive, work and rest hour requirements.
- Compliance responsibilities on operators and drivers.
Key Content
The Guidelines for Managing Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue learning module gives drivers an understanding of the change in legislation and its implications for them. It also provides them with information on what heavy vehicle driver fatigue is, the factors causing it, and how fatigue can be managed effectively.
Topics include:- What is the employer's Duty of Care?
- What are the most important changes in legislation?
- What is a Fatigue Risk Management System?
- What is the Chain of Responsibility and what is my role within the safety system?
- Who are the other parties in the chain and what are their obligations?
- What is fatigue, what causes it and how can it be recognised?
- What is driver fatigue, what are its causes, signs and dangers involved?
- How can driver fatigue be managed effectively?
- What are the new legal requirements regarding work/rest hours and record keeping?
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this module, learners should be able to:- Identify the key changes in legislation due to the reform.
- Understand the importance and dangers of driver fatigue.
- Identify their legal responsibilities to manage fatigue effectively.
- Understand work/rest hours and record keeping requirements.
- Recognise ways of effectively preventing driver fatigue.