In response to a “severe mass breach”, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from an operator, which it says will now need to make significant changes to their operations to prevent a recurrence.
As part of the EU, equipment rental hire company Pacific Hire Wangaratta will spend over $54,000 on mass education initiatives including delivering a load restraint driver training handbook, which the NHVR says will be made available to industry as a downloadable resource.
Staff will receive training on load restraint requirements and the safe stowing of high-risk equipment, which includes elevated work platform, forklift, and yellow card requirements.
Biannual safety management system audits and reviews will be conducted with senior management, and monthly toolbox meetings, transport procedures and processes will be discussed with staff.
“Pacific Hire Wangaratta has committed over $54,000 towards education initiatives to rectify its safety breaches – a considerable investment that could not have been achieved through a court fine,” said NHVR director of prosecutions Belinda Hughes.
“It demonstrates the company’s commitment to educate, train and raise awareness in complying with the Heavy Vehicle National law.”
Failures to comply with the EU can lead to a person or entity being prosecuted.