Fatigue breaches prompt two improvement notices for heavy vehicle operators

Fatigue Breaches Prompt Two Improvement Notices for Heavy Vehicle Operators

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has issued improvement notices to two operators after uncovering serious fatigue breaches within their heavy vehicle operations. An investigation into their fatigue management practices identified multiple work diary discrepancies, excessive work hours, and other compliance failures affecting road safety.

Under the improvement notices, both companies must take immediate corrective action to strengthen their safety management systems and prevent further breaches.

What the Investigation Found

NHVR investigators identified gaps across several areas of each company's fatigue management framework, including inconsistent work diaries and poor oversight of driver hours. These failures created unnecessary risk for drivers and other road users alike.

According to NHVR, both companies must now deliver a range of corrective activities as part of their improved management approach, including:

• Formal training programs for staff and management personnel
• Weekly and fortnightly compliance audits
• Revised scheduling practices to reduce fatigue-related risk
• Driver Safe Journey Plans
• Non-conformance management policies

NHVR's Response to the Breaches

"Both companies must take corrective action and deliver activities including formal training, weekly and fortnightly audits, revised scheduling, Driver Safe Journey Plans, and non-conformance policies," NHVR stated.

NHVR Director of Investigations Steve Underwood said the evidence gathered during the investigation was significant. "It was clear from the evidence that the conduct of both companies put road users at risk of harm," Underwood said.

"An improvement notice enables the offenders to improve their safety and compliance systems quickly, with the NHVR monitoring the required notice activities to remedy the situation."

Why Fatigue Management Matters for Heavy Vehicle Operations

Fatigue-related incidents remain a persistent safety concern across Australia's national heavy vehicle network. Poor management of driver fatigue increases risk not only for operators but for every motorist sharing the road.

Robust management systems help companies meet national standards, safeguard employees and reduce the likelihood of enforcement action. Operators should review their current fatigue management arrangements and address any gaps well before a regulator identifies them.

SafetyDocs offers guidance for businesses looking to strengthen their approach, including our advice for heavy vehicle operators during high-risk holiday periods and insights from NT WorkSafe's updated fatigue management guidelines.

Building Stronger Safety and Compliance Systems

Companies operating heavy vehicles carry ongoing responsibility for maintaining sound management practices across scheduling, training and record-keeping. A well-documented Fatigue Management Policy for Heavy Vehicles provides a practical foundation for demonstrating due diligence and reducing risk exposure.

Businesses should also consider reviewing their broader compliance obligations, including chain of responsibility duties. Our Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Module supports operators in understanding these obligations and embedding them into daily management practices.

For operators seeking funding support to upgrade safety systems, our article on federal funding opportunities for heavy vehicle operators outlines relevant options worth exploring.

Key Takeaways for Operators

• Fatigue breaches place drivers and road users at serious risk.
• NHVR improvement notices demand rapid, documented corrective action.
• Strong management systems, training and auditing reduce recurrence.
• Non-conformance policies help operators track and resolve emerging issues.

Source: National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's website.