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.