New guide on managing heavy vehicle driver fatigue published

NT WorkSafe has published new guidance material on managing the risks of fatigue when driving heavy vehicles.

The new guide is intended to assist heavy vehicle owners and operators in the Northern Territory in developing and implementing appropriate fatigue management systems to eliminate or minimise the risks of fatigue, so far as is reasonably practicable.

In a work context, fatigue is a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively and the guide includes a sample fatigue management system plan and checklist, a risk assessment guide, and a sample driving record.

NT WorkSafe Executive Director Peggy Cheong said the guide was developed in consultation with the road transport industry, including specific input from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, the Northern Territory Road Transport Association, the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, and the Transport Workers Union.

“I would like to thank our key stakeholders for taking the time to assist in the development of this resource for the wider benefit of the road transport industry,” Ms Cheong said.

The guide is available for download here.