Are you prepared for the changes coming to the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws? We’ve talked extensively about the CoR laws that are due to come into effect on the first of October before, but in case you need a quick catch up:
What is the CoR?
The Chain of Responsibility laws is designed to ensure that every person involved in every part of the design, manufacture, sale and operation of a heavy vehicle places the safety and duty of care of their part seriously. Even people who are involved in the administration side of the industry – logistics or fleet management, for example – have to make sure every decision they make minimises the chance of harm coming to anyone they task.
The Chain of Responsibility is designed to supplement workplace safety laws and also make workplaces – on and off the road – comply with Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). HVNL takes the extra considerations of heavy vehicles into account, such as their size, velocity and reduced ability to turn tightly or brake suddenly. Human elements such as driver fatigue and in-vehicle safety compliance are also factored into the laws. Complying with the HVNL, and the CoR, will make things safer for truck drivers and those around them.
The reforms began after the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) consulted with over 165,000 businesses that supply goods or services to the heavy vehicle industry. Through a series of workshops and question and answer sessions, the NHVR worked with all sectors to introduce the upcoming changes.
The Chain of Responsibility laws were introduced over a year ago and set to fully take effect on October 1, as confirmed by Queensland Transport and Main Road Minister, Mark Bailey. Not sure if you’re prepared? There’s still time to check and make any necessary changes.
Checking online
The NHVR have a comprehensive Chain of Responsibility website that details the laws and explains how they apply to you and your business, whether you’re a driver, manager or supplier. There are sections on how to categorise levels of risk, how to make accurate container weight declarations and a Frequently Asked Questions section for commonly raised issues.
There is also a handy Chain of Responsibility Gap Assessment Tool available online. This easy to use checker asks a series of yes or no questions, each suited for many different roles within the industry, about existing safety procedures. From there it compiles a guide to what safety issues have been raised and a guide to how to address them. The whole process takes only fifteen minutes and is free to use.
The Drake Group has been proudly manufacturing a wide range of tough, dependable and safe heavy haulage trailers for 60 years and we prize safety as our number one concern. Contact The Drake Group today to talk to us about how we’re making the next generation of trailers with the CoR in mind.
