The NHVR has advised the establishment of an independent panel for fatigue management decisions
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has announced the appointment of an independent panel to advise the NHVR on decisions in relation to Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM).
NHVR Chief Executive Sal Petroccitto says the establishment of the NHVR Fatigue Expert Reference Group (FERG) is a major milestone in the 20 year journey to support the growth of a professional fatigue management culture in the Australian road transport industry.
“Under one Regulator and one rule book, Australia’s transport ministers have entrusted the NHVR to run a single AFM scheme for the country,” says Petroccitto.
“Now that the national law has commenced, the NHVR is the sole government agency approving AFM accreditation and we take that responsibility seriously.
“When we accredit an operator under AFM, we are delivering the highest possible level of recognition for fatigue management practice the NHVR can give.
“To support us in taking those decisions, we have assembled, through the FERG, the highest possible level of fatigue management expertise and experience.”
Petroccitto said AFM is about doing safety differently.
“Operators accredited under the AFM scheme have NHVR approval to move beyond simply counting hours in a driver’s diary to running their entire business with a direct focus on managing fatigue,” he says.
“They are accountable for making sure their drivers are truly fit for duty and have good fatigue management in place, not only during each journey, but every day of the week that could impact on that journey.
“Operators report that, under AFM, they have more flexibility to schedule rosters that suit the business, more satisfied drivers who are in control of their work and rest hours, greater staff retention and better safety outcomes for the business overall.”
Under the AFM business rules, the NHVR must refer certain AFM applications to the FERG for advice. This will include many current AFM-accredited operators who were approved by former state-based regulators.