The TWU’s application applies to all those in the dangerous goods transport supply chain.
A hearing will be held this month into an application to impose a host of new conditions on all parties involved in dangerous goods transport.
The Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) has set aside October 27 to deal with the Transport Workers Union’s (TWU) application, which was lodged last month.
The union wants the tribunal to require all drivers to receive written contracts and safe driving plans and for consignors to meet certain conditions before engaging the services of a dangerous goods transporter.
Furthermore, the TWU’s application seeks minimum training standards for drivers and for companies to implement written drug and alcohol policies.
The union is also asking for employers and hirers to be held accountable for vehicle maintenance.
The application says employers should be required to maintain vehicles to standards set out in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Maintenance Management Accreditation Guide and that hirers should take all reasonable steps to audit compliance with the guide.
The TWU says written contracts should, at a minimum, include names and contract details, the period of the contract, details on the relevant employment award or agreement, driver pay rates and more.
If passed, the TWU’s application will apply to all tanker drivers involved in hauling any oil, fuel or gas petroleum products.