WA roadblock targets driver fatigue

WorkSafe WA has been partaking in roadblock exercises, in order to measure the level of compliance with fatigue management laws.

Most recently, it participated in a joint roadblock operation undertaken by Main Roads WA.

The exercise saw WorkSafe inspectors stationed at the road train assembly area at Northam conducting inspections of commercial vehicles to check whether they were in compliance with WA’s fatigue management laws.

In total, 72 commercial vehicles were assessed by WorkSafe inspectors and 16 transport companies are currently undergoing follow-up inspections. Over the course of the roadblock, 13 improvement notices and one prohibition notice were issued.

WorkSafe Director of Industrial and Regional Chris Kirwin said that, although compliance with fatigue management laws was reasonably good, there were still companies that were not fully complying with their obligations.

“It seems employers are largely in compliance with WA’s fatigue management laws,” Kirwin said.

“But these roadblocks are still finding problems with record keeping, mandatory medical checks for drivers, appropriate sleeper cabs and driver training.

“A comprehensive code of practice for the management of fatigue has been in place since 1998, and it was updated in 2003 when the regulations came into effect. All transport companies need to ensure they have this code in their workplaces and are following it.

“Even though compliance with the laws has increased over the years, there is no room for complacency. WorkSafe plans to continue monitoring the industry on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance levels don’t drop off.”

‘Code of practice — Fatigue management for commercial vehicle drivers’ can be downloaded here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Thomas Söllner