NHVR seeking feedback on draft ‘Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice’

NHVR is seeking public feedback on a draft Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice designed to strengthen safety across log transport operations nationwide. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released this new draft Code of Practice aimed at enhancing safety measures in the transportation of logs from forests to mills or ports.

What Does the Draft Log Haulage Industry Code Cover?

The newly introduced Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice (LHC) serves as a resource for companies participating in every stage of forest log haulage operations. It provides practical advice on safe work practices for transport businesses moving timber from forest sites through to processing facilities.

The LHC addresses key operational areas relevant to log transport, including:

• Vehicle loading and securement standards
• Safety obligations across the transport chain
• Compliance expectations for forest haulage contractors
• Access requirements for heavy vehicle movements on forest roads

Who Helped Develop the Code?

Paul Sariban, Acting Chief Safety and Productivity Officer, said the draft LHC was created in partnership with the Australian Forest Products Association and the Australian Forest Contractor's Association, along with industry representatives and other relevant stakeholders who contributed resources, knowledge and expertise.

This collaborative approach reflects the same consultative model used for other national safety instruments, such as the crane industry code of practice and the Master Code of Practice, both of which underwent similar public review processes.

How Long Is the Draft Code Open for Feedback?

The newly developed code is open for public review for a duration of eight weeks, according to NHVR. During the next eight weeks, transport operators, forest contractors and other industry stakeholders can review the draft and submit comments.

NHVR says it will consider all input received from stakeholders in the logging industry during the assessment process to determine the code's eligibility for registration. This consultation period gives businesses across the transport sector an opportunity to help shape practical, workable safety standards before the code is finalised.

Why This Matters for Safety Professionals

Log haulage carries distinct risks compared with general freight transport, given the size and weight of loads, the terrain involved and the access limitations common to forest roads. A dedicated code helps ensure safety practices are consistent across operators, rather than left to individual interpretation.

Businesses managing fleet documentation or driver logs as part of their broader safety systems may also find related resources useful, including the Vehicle Maintenance Log and Site Contractors Log, which support ongoing compliance recordkeeping.

Read the full story here.