NT WorkSafe has published a new guide to managing the risks of fatigue when driving heavy vehicles.
The Northern Territory is not governed by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) so are not subject to the NHVR’s fatigue regulations.
The new WorkSafe guide includes a sample fatigue management system plan and checklist, a risk assessment guide, and a sample driving record.
It outlines the recommended maximum work time for drivers, and the necessary breaks.
For every five hours driving, they recommend a 20-minute break, and for every 24 hours driving, there should be seven continuous hours of non-work time.
For every 72 hours driving, drivers should have at least 27 hours of non-work time.
Over 14 days, you should have no more than 168 hours of work time, and two periods of 24 continuous hours of no work time.
NT WorkSafe Executive Director Peggy Cheong said the guide was developed in consultation with the road transport industry, including specific input from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, the Northern Territory Road Transport Association, the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, and the Transport Workers Union.
“I would like to thank our key stakeholders for taking the time to assist in the development of this resource for the wider benefit of the road transport industry,” she said.
The guide is available for download here.