Issue Date:  -  Friday, 13 October 2006

Fatigue roadblocks reveal improvements in safety

A WorkSafe roadblock exercise in Port Hedland last weekend has revealed a slight improvement in compliance with fatigue safety laws.

The joint roadblock – conducted by inspectors from WorkSafe and the WA Police with assistance from the State Emergency Service – found that transport companies are generally complying with the laws for commercial vehicles.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today it was pleasing to see that transport companies were largely complying with the major aspects of WA’s fatigue regulations, but there was still room for improvement.

“Since we began these roadblocks a couple of years ago, we have seen a steady improvement in the rate of compliance with the fatigue laws,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Understanding of the laws seems to have risen steadily since they came into being three years ago, and it seems the industry has come to grips with the fact that the laws are there to ensure commercial vehicle drivers are given sufficient rest.

“However, fatigue is still a significant occupational safety and health issue in the commercial transport industry.

“Although compliance with the major aspects of the regulations such as adequate rest breaks has become widespread, there are still some breaches occurring and notices were issued for these.”

A total of 126 commercial vehicles were stopped at the Port Hedland roadblock, with five improvement notices and one prohibition notice issued.

In addition to these notices, inspectors will follow up with another 45 transport companies on other fatigue related issues.

“It’s pleasing to see that the majority of companies are now complying with the major aspects of the fatigue regulations, especially by giving solo drivers at least a seven hour continuous break in a 24-hour period,” Ms Lyhne said.

“There is a growing tendency in the commercial transport industry to have two drivers, which makes it easier to comply with the laws and a lot safer as well.

“The follow-up investigations with transport companies mainly relate to issues such as medical checks for drivers, training of drivers and keeping proper records.

“Although we’re pleased with the improvement in compliance, it is worth reminding the industry that the human body has limitations and adequate rest and sleep is essential to safely undertake long-distance driving.

“We have been conducting these fatigue roadblocks for a couple of years now, and we intend to continue monitoring the commercial transport industry with roadblocks for some time to come.

“A comprehensive code of practice for the management of fatigue has been in operation in WA since 1998, and it was updated in 2003 when the regulations came into effect.

“I would encourage any company involved in commercial vehicle transport to have copies of the code of practice available to all employees.”

Further information on fatigue and copies of the code of practice can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.

Media contact:
Caroline De Vaney
9327 8744
0408 927 563