commercial vehicle driver fatigue | new laws from july 2003
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New laws from July 2003 New standards for managing fatigue in commercial vehicle drivers come into effect in July 2003. The new occupational safety and health regulations will be supported by an amended version of the Fatigue Management for Commercial Vehicle Drivers Code of Practice [189k]. These regulations will apply to all commercial vehicles - such as trucks and buses - with a gross vehicle mass over 4.5 tonnes. The new standard sets out requirements to make sure commercial drivers who drive long distances or for long periods of time are medically fit, and have adequate rest breaks. An important part of the new regulations is that employers and self-employed drivers must develop and maintain a fatigue management plan. Driver fatigue is responsible for an estimated 30 per cent of fatal crashes in Western Australia's rural areas. The new standard builds on the voluntary standard that has been in place since 1998. It is designed to help drivers have: minimum periods of sleep; better opportunities for sleep; fewer long trips without breaks; less night work; enough rest breaks; and medical examinations to make sure they are fit to drive. The standard has some flexibility built in to take into account the practicalities of operating in a state as big as Western Australia. To help operators understand and comply with the regulations, the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission has revised the Code of Practice. The following is a 'snapshot' of the information in the Code of Practice for Fatigue Management, to be released shortly for public comment. Register for your copy by calling WorkSafe on 9327 8817. Operating standard Commercial Driver Fatigue Radio Ads Listen to the radio ads by clicking on the links below: Wake up to the dangers of driver fatigue [67k] Learn more about the dangers of driver fatigue [63k] The operating standard outlines what you need to take into account when establishing schedules and rostering commercial vehicle drivers in order to reduce the risk of fatigue. The standard requires that: A driver be medically fit to drive a commercial vehicle. Poor health and lack of fitness contribute to fatigue. The minimum current standard for medical fitness is set by the "Medical Examination of Commercial Vehicle Drivers", published by the Federal Office of Road Safety. Medical examinations are required every three years. If you have a current dangerous goods licence another medical is not needed. Employers should also promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to drivers. Drivers should have a work schedule that allows for at least 20 minutes in short breaks or rest time for every five hours worked. As a minimum, a break of at least 10 minutes must be taken at the end of each five-hour work period. Solo drivers must have: At least two days of rest time in any 14-day period; or At least four days of rest time in any 28-day period if their work time does not exceed 144 hours in any 14-day period. There are also additional requirements for solo and two up drivers and drivers on shift work. Fatigue management plan The new regulations require a Fatigue Management Plan (FMP) to be maintained. A FMP is a document that identifies and targets specific risk factors and control measures for commercial vehicle drivers. It is an important part of the overall safety and health management of the workplace, and is essential information for new drivers. The FMP sets out procedures and requirements for: Scheduling trips. Rostering drivers. For example, the FMP makes sure drivers are given enough notice to prepare for a trip, and the schedule includes appropriate rest periods or the availability of a relief driver. Determining a driver's level of fitness. Training drivers to identify and manage fatigue symptoms. Drivers should be made aware of the risks from lack of sleep, consuming alcohol or prescription drugs and from other physical activities. Managing incidents relating to commercial vehicles. Establishing and maintaining workplace conditions. All 'near misses' and hazardous incidents need to be reported and recorded to assist in prevention. Operators must make sure workplace conditions such as sleeper berths, seating and air conditioning are in accordance with Australian Design Rules. Keeping records Operators need to keep a record of all trips by each driver. The records must be accurate, up-to-date and show clearly work time, breaks from driving and nonwork time. Records must be kept for at least three years. For more information on the regulation amendments and fatigue management, contact WorkSafe on 1300 307 877 or (08) 9327 8777. WESTCENTRE 1260 Hay Street West Perth 6005 Locked Bag 14 Cloister Square 6850 Infoline: 1300 307 877 Telephone: (08) 9327 8777 Facsimile: (08) 9321 8973 TTY: (08) 9327 8838 Internet: www.docep.wa.gov.au Email: safety@worksafe.wa.gov.au This information is provided voluntarily as a service to employers and employees in Western Australia. the information and advice provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. If you require the services of an interpreter contact the Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) on 131 450 and ask for connection to 1300 307 877. June 2003

Document ID: 4090  - Posted: 6/27/2003  - Page Built: 8/2/2006 7:22:08 AM (mechhazd0042) Copies of this publication may be freely printed and distributed provided that the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection receives appropriate acknowledgement and that no substantial changes are made to the text. Disclaimer