Previous defects and ‘recent incidents’ spark joint action
Tasmania, now working under the same sort of heavy vehicle inspection regime as much of the mainland, has seen two firms subject to joint regulator and police safety and compliance probes
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has begun investigations into two significant Tasmanian trucking companies in relation to possible maintenance and mass breaches under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) relating to trucks and trailers.
Details are sketchy as the NHVR is seeking to avoid identifying the companies involved unless and until any possible prosecution is successful, though further information has been sought.
It is understood previous defects combined with recent incidents involving the company’s transport activities led to the actions.
NHVR director investigations Steve Underwood says NHVR officers recently entered the companies’ premises in relation to alleged breaches of safety duties under the HVNL.
The companies were also required to present heavy vehicles for inspection.
The NHVR has been busy in Tasmania before
“This was a joint operation conducted in partnership with Tasmanian Police, NHVR safety and compliance officers and NHVR investigators,” Underwood says.
“Both these companies have had vehicles inspected in the past where serious defects were detected.
“This is a timely reminder to all parties in the heavy vehicle supply chain to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities in relation to heavy vehicle safety.”
A similar joint agency approach to investigations has been adopted in other jurisdictions including New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, the national regulator notes.
The NHVR notes that reforms to Chain of Responsibility (COR) laws were introduced in October 2018 following an extensive education and information program by the NHVR, the national trucking watchdog underlines.
Under the changes, each party in the heavy vehicle supply chain is liable and responsible to the extent of their level of influence and control over the particular transport task.
More information on changes to COR laws can be found here.