Archive, Industry News

WorkSafe issues T&L pandemic safety checklist

Operators must adapt safely to increased or altered workflow

 

WorkSafe Victoria cites the increased need for deliveries, and temporary heavy vehicle curfew exemptions in the state, for its safety reminder to the transport and logistics industry during the Covid-19 crisis.

An alert that can widely apply to much of the nation, the safety watchdog spotlights particular scenarios that may arise through the increased or altered times of supply chain activity.

Such safety issues include:

  • longer shifts and travel at unusual times
  • more loading and unloading
  • reduced availability for vehicle maintenance
  • increased traffic at distribution and shopping centres
  • risk of exposure to coronavirus.

WorkSafe notes employers and self-employed persons should ensure:

  • fatigue risks are controlled and drivers are fit for work
  • effective infection control policies, procedures and practices are in place and are followed
  • vehicle maintenance schedules are in place and followed
  • hazardous manual handling risks are eliminated or reduced
  • traffic management systems are in place are followed
  • people, vehicles, and mobile plant are separated.

Senator Glenn Sterle raised concerns about DC practices during the virus


“Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to the health of employees and independent contractors,” the watchdog notes in its reminder of legal obligations.

“This includes identifying and controlling risks to health or safety in relation to the use of vehicles, manual handling and infectious diseases.

“Employers and self-employed persons must also ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that people other than employees are not exposed to risks to their health or safety arising from the their conduct.”

 

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend