The building and construction sector in Tasmania can expect increased roadside scrutiny from today as a targeted compliance operation kicks off in the state, warned the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
Operation Amplify will see NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) undertake roadside inspections in high activity areas including Hobart, Launceston and Burnie following recent compliance operations that identified safety risks within the building and construction industry.
NHVR Acting Executive Director On-Road Operations Steve Miller said previous operations across the state had revealed high rates of non-compliance.
“Almost 30 per cent of heavy vehicles intercepted during similar operations were found to be non-compliant, with mechanical issues identified as the highest area of non-compliance,” he said
“Load restraint was another area of significant concern, particularly unsecured tools and construction materials.
“Any type of unsecured load can impact a heavy vehicle’s stability, steering and brake performance, placing drivers and other road users at serious risk.”
Miller said SCOs would also be checking work diaries to ensure drivers are complying with their work and rest requirements.
“Fatigue remains one of the most significant contributors to serious incidents,” he said.
“Our officers will be paying close attention to fatigue management, because no-one should be behind the wheel if they’re not fit to drive, and no load is worth your life.”
Miller said if a heavy vehicle driver feels pressured to operate while fatigued, they can contact the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (1800 931 785), which is available Monday to Friday, 7am-4.30pm, AEST.
Miller said Operation Amplify would help the NHVR determine whether compliance levels within the building and construction sector have improved.
The NHVR’s Load Restraint Guide provides best practice load restraint systems to meet loading requirements and loading performance standards.
Time the nhvr came to Keith in South Australia and started inspecting heavy vehicles. I live next to the jukes highway and the amount of trucks and trailers with incredible sounds coming from everything and the illegal exhausts is incredible