Chain of Responsibility Units Updated: Stay Informed

Chain of Responsibility Training 2020 Update

Published on August 17th, 2020

 

‘Trucks keep Australia moving.’ It’s a saying that has been around for a long time, and a sign that you’ll see on the back of heavy vehicles all over the country. But have you ever taken a minute to think about what and who keeps those trucks moving? The list of job titles extends to planning loads, scheduling trips and accepting consignments, and each and every name on that list belongs to a person holding accountability under the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), legislation enacted and upheld by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

As a business, you are obliged to ensure every party you engage to conduct an activity along the ‘chain’ clearly understands their role and responsibility. It is crucial to note that the legislation does not differentiate between employees or contractors, full-time or part-time—every person involved in the chain holds responsibility.

CoR training is the easiest and most effective approach to ensure your staff are aware of their responsibilities and know how best to execute them. However, as with any qualification or legislation, chain of responsibility is reviewed and revised on a regular basis to ensure safe processes and consistency with new research findings or legislation. The previous unit of study, Apply chain of responsibility legislation, regulations and workplace procedures (TLIF0001), has been reviewed and in June 2020 was updated to reflect up to date state/territory laws and regulations. Any CoR training or materials should now refer to the revised unit, Ensure the safety of transport activities (Chain of Responsibility) (TLIF0009). This revised unit provides such crucial safety knowledge and skills development that it is included in 18 separate qualifications.

As the TLIF0009 unit has superseded the previous TLIF0001, it’s encouraged that any future training, instruction or competency-based learning undertaken within your business refers to the current unit. Engaging a reputable training organisation with the appropriate credentials to deliver your CoR training will give you peace of mind that your employees or contractors, drivers or management, are completely aware of their responsibility in the chain and know how to ensure compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

 

What does the TLIF0009 unit entail?

The unit update for chain of responsibility training 2020 looks at how all parties performing transport activities can carry out their jobs safely. As ‘transport activities’ involve a whole range of duties (not just consigning, packing, loading, operating, driving, unloading and receiving), the unit now reflects its close alignment with workplace health and safety legislation. The unit involves learning to identify CoR features in the HVNL and subsequently being able to apply the obligations for the relevant state or territory.

As with the majority of training programs, the TLIF0009 unit contains an assessment component. The unit has two key criteria:

  1. Identify chain of responsibility features in the HVNL or applicable state/territory law and regulations

This relates to a participant’s knowledge and is designed to determine if a participant comprehends the legislation and how it relates to the applicable state or territory.

  1. Apply chain of responsibility obligations in the HVNL or applicable state/territory law and regulations

This relates to the practical application of the law and regulations, ensuring that a participant has the necessary skills to perform the range of tasks in their role legally and safely.

There are specific assessment requirements identified that, upon completion, demonstrate competence within each criterion.

As a registered training organisation, Australian Onsite Training is authorised to deliver and assess this nationally recognised accreditation. The assessment needs to be undertaken in the workplace (where safe and appropriate) and should include a range of assessment techniques to determine competency.

Maintain currency of information and qualifications

The ultimate goal for your business should be for all employees to be able to clearly identify who is responsible for safety of transport activities in a workplace that uses heavy vehicles. Once you achieve this, you reduce the risks associated with chain of responsibility compliance as well as the financial risks that non-compliance involves.

The safety of transport activities is the shared responsibility of each party in the chain of responsibility. When we realise that transport activities include decisions made in the company boardroom, how the business operates, the formal and informal processes and procedures of the business, and business relationships and behaviours, the list of ‘parties’ becomes lengthy.

Parties performing transport activities may be completely unaware of how a failure to act correctly is a significant risk to workplace safety. By engaging a registered training organisation (RTO) such as Australian Onsite Training to offer chain of responsibility training, every party is made aware of changes to legislation and compliance requirements and is completely informed of their significant role in attaining and maintaining compliance.

Using an external RTO to provide up to date training, the applicable parties in your organisation acquire the knowledge to not only look for specific risks but also the skills to take appropriate steps to mitigate those risks within the business. This results in safer workplace practices, higher compliance with regulations and less likelihood of legislative breaches leading to financial/reputational penalties.

Ensure your business is compliant. Enquire about Chain of Responsibility Training 2020 here.

CoR Training via Video Conferencing: Who Should Attend?

Video Conference CoR Training For Australian Businesses

Published August 17th, 2020

 

If your business undertakes almost any commercial activity related to a heavy vehicle or its load, Chain of Responsibility (CoR) compliance needs to be an essential part of your role. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), as the national body responsible for the industry, provides a wealth of information and advice around safety, accreditation and compliance; laws and policies; and events related to the industry.

But for company officers who have schedules to determine and maintain, consignments to deliver, and employees to manage, trawling through even the most practical of websites can be the last item on an exceedingly long priority list. Australian Onsite Training specialises in CoR training so you can focus your attention on your business.

So how can you maintain compliance and why should you choose Australian Onsite Training for your CoR training needs across Australia?

Who needs to attend CoR training?

Any person involved in the day-to-day running of a heavy vehicle is considered part of the chain of responsibility; they are required to take reasonable steps to ensure safety and compliance within their chain of responsibility, and are legally required to minimise hazards. This means the list of employee roles requiring CoR training can be extensive. When determining who is required to undertake training, anyone in any of the following job roles should be aware of their responsibilities:

  • employer of a driver
  • prime contractor (you engage a driver of a vehicle who is self-employed)
  • operator of the vehicle
  • scheduler for the vehicle
  • loading manager
  • loader and/or unloader of a vehicle (this includes ‘loading’ goods, passengers, or personal items onto a vehicle)
  • consignor or consignee of any goods for transport
  • executive officer (the company director or senior manager)

The NHVR gives practical information about CoR requirements, but as a registered training organisation, Australian Onsite Training can personalise CoR training to fit the technicalities and the specific job roles in your organisation. To understand the legislation and then attain and maintain compliance with it, much work needs to go into assessing the legislation, fact-checking, and finally reviewing checklists to ensure no relevant staff member or information item is missed. As a busy administration or operations manager—for these reasons alone—outsourcing CoR training will save you hours.

 

How training via a video conferencing platform will save you money and time

Offering face to face training provides participants with the opportunity to ask detailed questions in real time—and receive the right answers for your business. Australian Onsite Training continues to offer COVIDSafe face to face CoR training but recognises that many businesses have been affected by travel restrictions, quarantine procedures or company policies that limit social and educational interactions. Australian Onsite Training has developed a remote learning option that is delivered via video conferencing software, offering the benefits of a face to face program coupled with the flexibility of an online platform.

CoR training via video conferencing enables employees who are physically distant to engage with our experienced trainers simultaneously. This option is flexible and saves you time and money. Training can be scheduled to suit your CoR parties, who then participate in the training program from whatever corner of the state (or country!) they may be in. For example, you may choose to use your boardroom or training room as the main location for the majority of participants but, as training sessions are conducted live through an online video platform, other employees can log in through the URL provided and still receive the exact same course materials and information from another office location, another suburb or another state. And let’s face it, with employees ranging from drivers to executives, this flexibility will save your company from the logistical nightmare of trying to manage ALL the relevant people into the same room at the same time.

Another key consideration for delivering CoR training through a video conference setting is the potential cost savings for your business. Australian Onsite Training understands that companies have the best intentions when scheduling a training session but also appreciates that rosters change, trucks break down and traffic happens. If a key team member or contractor can’t attend their scheduled training session, your business will have peace of mind knowing Australian Onsite Training is open to discussing a solution that is both practical and financially convenient for both businesses.

Australian Onsite Training is authorised to deliver this nationally recognised accreditation, and participants will receive a Statement of Attainment after successful completion of the training. By engaging a registered training organisation to train your staff members, you reduce the risks associated with chain of responsibility compliance, build a safe workplace and be satisfied knowing your business is being proactive towards meeting its legislative requirements.

Get your team up to date with video conference CoR Training. Contact Australian Onsite Training today.

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Chain of Responsibility Units Updated: Stay Informed

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Staying safe and compliant in the post-COVID world

Staying safe in the post-COVID phase and beginning a recovery to normality

 

This year, more than almost any other in living memory, staff health, safety and wellbeing has been at the top of the priority list for employers the world over. For those lucky enough to remain working throughout the COVID-19 crisis, this has resulted in the swift assessment and implementation of workplace processes and practices to align with National and State government requirements. Despite restrictions easing somewhat, it is more important than ever to keep abreast of changes and to ensure safety for employees. So how do we ensure safety on the roads in the ‘post-COVID phase’?

A high-risk industry needs a high level of attention

The transport industry has been in the media limelight for some of the wrong reasons in the past. Safe Work Australia has released preliminary findings and statistics around workplace fatalities as at 4 June 2020 for the transport and warehousing industries. Compared with data during the same period in the previous year, there has been an increase of seven deaths.

Coupled with a statement from the Major Accident Investigation 2020 Report:

‘The proportion of incidents resulting in at least one fatality increased from 3% to 4.8%. This was overwhelmingly driven by an increase in truck driver deaths’

there is a clear need to ensure any and all preventative measures are taken to improve heavy vehicle safety. The report, written by the National Transport Insurance and the National Truck and Accident Research Centre, provides information allowing the industry to focus on actions that are likely to make improvements in the right areas.

Knowledge is the key to safety: Ensure your chain of responsibility is up to date

‘What you don’t know won’t hurt you’, but the old saying couldn’t be further from the truth. Knowledge provides us with logic and understanding; it underpins safe practices and is essential for making responsible—and responsive—decisions. Reflecting on some of the trends noted in the NTI report, connections can be made with existing industry Chain of Responsibility requirements. A thorough understanding of the risks in the industry can lead to improved safety practices and fewer accidents and fatalities.

  1. Knowledge of CoR obligations

Following legislative changes in 2018, the financial risks of non-compliance with Chain of Responsibility (CoR) requirements are substantial. As an employer, you hold liability in the supply chain to ensure management and staff alike are all conscious of their roles and responsibilities. Conducting up to date CoR training for staff is a simple and effective way to ensure all participants in the chain are aware of, and have the capacity to comply with, their responsibility in the chain. Chain of responsibility training across Australia is as simple as asking Australian Onsite Training to deliver a bespoke course for your employees.

  1. Knowledge of major risks

For many people who maintained employment during the crux of the crisis, workload increased. The Transport Industry was no different and cross border freight was increased in an effort to maintain the supply of grocery staples. In an industry where there are inherent risks in everyday activities, the ability to consider the statistics and act accordingly can help to diminish these risks. Two of the factors clearly indicated within the NTI report are fatigue and speed management. When considering that these link directly to obligations within the Chain of Responsibility, it makes sense to once again look to CoR training to assist not only those on the road, but also those within the ‘chain’ who are responsible for the scheduling, loading and managing heavy vehicles. As well as the CoR obligations of the ‘decision makers / management’ i.e. those who may be choosing or interacting with 3rd party providers.

  1. Knowledge of COVID-19 restrictions

There have been many changes to restrictions and allowances during the past few months, and none more confusing than border controls. Due to each state imposing its own cross-border restrictions, it has been difficult to understand what limitations are in place for individuals. When your job as a truck driver involves crossing borders on a frequent basis, this can cause unnecessary stress and confusion. Fortunately, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) realised the need for a single source of information and provides clear links to the various state government webpages. The NHVR also clearly states that, ‘despite these restrictions, all freight movements are continuing.’ By providing clear information around the current limitations and the exemptions that exist for drivers, this removes some of the mental distractions that could lead to physical risks on the road.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility

In the midst of the panic-buying and toilet paper hoarding, truck drivers continued to supply Australia with necessary items and delivered freight to every corner of the country, keeping the country running. As managers, owners or executives in the industry, it’s critical to do whatever possible to make this risk-laden industry safer. There is no one single issue to target, but rather a number of issues that need to be tackled together to allow the transport and warehousing industry to stay safe and compliant in a post-COVID world.

 

Compliance in 2020: Chain of Responsibility Training Just Got MORE Important

Chain of Responsibility: you’re legally responsible

 

When most people think of road safety, the usual concepts of fatigue and driving under the influence spring to mind. But for any business conducting ‘transport activities’, there are some very specific requirements and regulations that assist in upholding safety on our roads. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes comply with these regulations—and central to ensuring safety across the supply chain is the Chain of Responsibility (CoR).

Understanding CoR and why it is important could save your business in more ways than one

The CoR legislation encompasses requirements around standards for heavy vehicles, speed and fatigue management and mass, dimensions and loading. In an effort to bring CoR requirements into line with Australian Workplace Health and Safety provisions, changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) / CoR legislation have introduced a number of new safety duties.

All parties in the supply chain may now have a duty to do what is ‘reasonably practicable’ to ensure the safety of their ‘transport activities’, and are legally required to minimise hazards, harm and loss in their workplace.

As an executive officer it is essential that you have conducted your ‘due diligence’ and have safety systems, procedures and training in place for your company. Case studies have shown that your business could also be liable for the actions of a 3rd party vehicle / business you engage with. Without conducting due diligence, you leave your company (and yourself!) exposed to prosecution or heavy fines.

To understand how this CoR legislation can have an impact on your business, let’s consider a case currently before the courts. A Victorian trucking company and its director have been accused of failing to meet the company’s due diligence regarding fatigue management. The NHVR was notified of concerns through its confidential reporting line and proceeded to investigate the allegations. As a director it is essential to understand the current safety duties of the business and ensure that you have conducted thorough due diligence to limit exposure and provide a safe workplace.

The HVNL states that following parties in the Chain:

  • an employer of a driver
  • a prime contractor for the driver – if the vehicle’s driver is self-employed
  • an operator of the vehicle
  • a scheduler for the vehicle
  • a loading manager for any goods in the vehicle
  • a loader and/or unloader of a vehicle
  • a consignor of any goods for transport by the vehicle
  • a consignee of any goods in the vehicle
  • a loader and/or unloader of any goods in the vehicle.

For many employees / companies, it can be easy to forget that these ‘parties’ may not match your ‘Job Title’. However, in performing your job role you may undertake many ‘transport activities’ that clearly put you in the ‘chain’. From your decision makers to your frontline staff there is a ‘shared responsibility to ensure compliance—and if you carry out more than one task in the CoR, your responsibility covers each task. The NHVR provides easy-to-follow information and checklists for these different roles, which can help to inform your employees about their role in CoR. But if you own or manage a business that uses trucks in any capacity, the best way to protect your business and ensure you are upholding compliance is to seek professional advice and assistance. This is particularly important if you have recently hired new employees, or your business structure, employee roles or responsibilities have changed.

 

CoR training online or onsite to suit each business

Chain of Responsibility training is an effective and important tool that will help you to understand the categories of risk relevant for your business to and give you the skills to fulfil your due diligence. One-day Chain of Responsibility training—either online (via live video conferencing) or onsite—that is customised to your business, will assist you to begin to fulfil your due diligence obligations and help build a safer workplace.

CoR training is not just part of what Australian Onsite Training does—it’s their specialty. They provide clear content and superior knowledge to deliver CoR training with context personalised for your business. Context is key when providing up-to-date information, and Australian Onsite Training delivers the Nationally Accredited Unit of Competency TLIF0001 – Apply chain of responsibility legislation, regulations and workplace procedures course taking into consideration your relevant state or territory laws and regulations, as well as your company specifics. Whether you need to complete CoR training online (via live video conferencing) or prefer to undertake onsite, training face-to-face training, you will be building a compliance system to help protect your company against potential prosecution and hefty penalties.

Making time for training can sometimes feel a little like your grandmother telling you to put on your jumper before heading outside into the cold. You know it’s the sensible thing to do and that the benefits will be tangible, but your hands are full of all the other balls you need to juggle. By engaging Australian Onsite Training to deliver CoR training, you and your employees will be on the road to fulfilling your due diligence obligations.