Operation delivers alarming results but details difficult to obtain
Trucking industry concerns around what sort of message authorities are trying to impart with trucking blitzes, and how, has been thrown into sharp relief in Victoria.
Critics of such operations question the levels and importance of non-compliance statistics offered and the value of such venerable strategies, arguing authorities are often just going through the motions.
ATN had sought clarification of a Victorian multi-agency blitz that stated authorities were “expected to investigate 33 companies in relation to vehicle maintenance and workplace safety”.
An alarming figure by any interpretation, that number was eventually revised to 30, and a brief explanation provided on the nature of the ‘investigations’, but not before a number of agency deferrals on the operation that took place.
On November 19, a Swan Hill Police Service Area social media statement announced a road safety operation involving Victoria Police, in conjunction with VicRoads and WorkSafe Victoria, between the November 11 and 14 in Buloke.
“The purpose was to promote and enforce roadworthiness of heavy vehicles,” it says.
The results of the operation included:
- 42 trucks and trailers intercepted and tested for roadworthiness
- 38 of the 42 trucks were defected
- 20 of the 42 trucks defected were for major defects
- 3 of the 42 trucks were grounded and prohibited from continuing due to the seriousness of the defects
- 12 infringement notices were issued for speed, unlicensed driving, work diary offences and load restraint offences.
The statement continued: “VicRoads and Work Safe Victoria inspectors are now expected to investigate 33 companies in relation to vehicle maintenance and workplace safety. Because EVERYONE deserves to get home safe.”
SARTA recently criticised enforcement behaviour after a fatal truck crash
Following multiple enquiries by ATN, Victoria Police reduced the figure to 30, confirming three companies would be probed by VicRoads and the rest by WorkSafe.
Similarly, having originally advised that WorkSafe would be conducting the investigations, the Department of Transport confirmed VicRoads Transport Safety Services (TSS) “is investigating three operators in the region for potential breaches”.
“Transport Safety Services (TSS) officers are focused on educating drivers and heavy vehicle operators about what the requirements are to keep their vehicles safe,” a spokesperson adds.
“We also conduct random and routine checks to ensure drivers and operators are complying with state and national heavy vehicle laws to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users.”
WorkSafe moved to downplay the gravity of the original language, noting that while it was unable to comment on individual cases, ‘investigations’ may involve worksite visits to promote compliance initiatives rather than escalated legal action.
“WorkSafe regularly works with other government agencies and regulators to ensure employers in the transport industry meet their occupational health and safety obligations,” a spokesperson says.
“This includes ensuring trucks are properly maintained and comply with heavy vehicle requirements.”
WorkSafe did confirm that inspections from the operation “identified a number of health and safety issues” and that “inquiries are continuing into these”.