What is ‘Chain of Responsibility’ training?
“Chain of responsibility”, in Heavy Vehicle National Law, means that the responsibility for complying with transport law is shared by all stakeholders in the road transport supply chain. If you or your company transports goods then you will know that safety, accreditation and compliance of paramount importance.
But, don’t worry; safety, accreditation and compliance certifications are available with CS Transport Training as well as Truck Drivers’ Licenses and other specialised training opportunities.
Why choose ‘Chain of Responsibility’ Training?
New duty laws
Amendments have been made to the Heavy Vehicle National Regulations, which states that all parties should ensure they uphold safety measures in relation to the heavy vehicle transport supply chain.
Improved measures have been put in place to make sure risk of harm to human life and the goods being transported are minimised. This is designed to ensure ongoing customer confidentiality and assurance that products arrive safely with and minimal risk of accidents on the road.
Duty Laws govern processes that:
- Single out, evaluate, assess and manage risk.
- Keep a record of actions put in place to ensure safety.
- Involve regular reporting of happenings.
Safety Management Systems
Safety management systems are processes put in place to manage safety, in association with essential organizational structures and accountabilities. They apply to all areas of the transportation industry.
Alterations to Chain of Responsibility Law
The changes go hand in hand with the health and safety precautions upheld in a working environment. CS Transport Training works to ensure everyone in the supply chain equally shares the relevant responsibilities.
Chain of Responsibility laws ensures that breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law never occur. Under these laws, you have a responsibility to make sure your role in the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations are upheld.
The law also stipulates that the driver is the sole operator of the consigner goods, but multiple parties are responsible for offences committed by drivers or irresponsible operators of heavy vehicles. In addition, an individual can be nominated part of the supply chain if required by the employer. Essentially, the law now states that all parties have legal liability for their actions or inactions.
Who is a ‘party’ in the supply chain?
The following are parties in Chain of Responsibility for the heavy vehicle:
- the driver’s employer
- the prime contractor for self-employed drivers
- the vehicle operator
- the vehicle’s scheduler
- the loading manager for goods in the vehicle
- the vehicle’s loader and unloader
- the goods consigner
- the goods consignee
Chain of Responsibility – Risk-based Offences
Under Heavy Vehicle National Law, offences relating to fatigue management, dimension and mass loading and speed compliance are categorised according to the risk they present. Therefore, the potential damage to the road infrastructure and risk to safety drastically increases with the severity of the offence.
Why have risk-based categorisations?
Authorised officers investigating a possible breach will consider legislated limits, based on the potential human safety risk, as well as potential damage to road infrastructure, when determining the category of the offence. Risk categorisation also determines what kind of powers that an authorised officer will have in punishing a confirmed offence.
Categories of breaches
- Minor breach – No risk to safety or infrastructure integrity, no risk of a particular party obtaining unfair commercial advantage.
- Substantial breach- Risk to safety or infrastructure damage has occurred, possible increase of traffic congestion, possible unfair commercial advantage.
- Severe breach- Significant safety risk or increased risk to infrastructure with Strong, negative effect on traffic congestion, or unfair commercial advantage obtained.
- Critical breach- in relation to fatigue due to exceeding maximum work time or having minimum rest time that will adversely influence the driver’s capability to drive safely.
Chain of responsibility policy statement
A policy statement is an official document that is essential for proper management of the business. It gives you a road map of what you have to do to stay in the supply chain as a broad statement about the aim to reduce issues that poses a threat to safety in your business. It also reflects the accomplishments of your business goals. Identification of processes within your organization will be formalised by a written document outlining the involved processes.
Contact CS Transport Training
Are you looking to employ a successful, detail oriented training and transport agency? Here at CS Transport Training, we provide a complete training service that focusses on safety, compliance and customer satisfaction.
We also offer transport training driving classes, heavy vehicle driver training and provide truck driver license tests in the Central Coast, Newcastle, Mid North Coast, Port Stephens and Hunter Valley. Please visit our website at www.cstt.com.au or call us on 0434 366 758 to book your training today.