New AFM for livestock transport
New Advanced Fatigue Management regulations for livestock transport operators come into effect from July 1From July 1, 2015, livestock transport operators will be able to utilise more flexible arrangements under Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) regulations, thanks to a new initiative rolled out by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
The new arrangement allows livestock transport operators to work up to 14 hours each day on a two-week cycle, provided 'risk off-setting' restrictions are observed around driving between midnight and 4.00am and frequent welfare checks are made.
The NHVR says the changes will ultimately allow applicable AFM-accredited operators to work longer hours, and also to pool hour across multiple days.
The NHVR's Executive Director, Productivity and Safety, Geoff Casey, says the changes will cut red tape for transport operators.
"The new approach to the management of fatigue under the Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) option uses a prototype or template to help livestock transport operators to appropriately manage their work and rest hours in a way which is suitable to the unique demands faced by these operators," he said in a media statement.
"Up until now, operators had to invest significant time and money into developing their own separate safety case to apply for the AFM option."
The fresh approached was developed by the NHVR in association with the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA).
The Managing Director of Frasers Livestock Transport, Ross Fraser – who is also an ALRTA Large and National Operators committee member – says the updated framework will deliver benefits on multiple levels.
"This initiative will allow more livestock transport operators to access flexible fatigue management practices that balance freight efficiency with safe operations," he said.
"Real world data that informed the approach clearly showed that there are times when we need to work longer hours but, when this was necessary, it was done in a way that any potential risks were managed by extra rest or sleep to off-set the fatigue risks.
"We commend the NHVR for recognising the unique transport challenges of the livestock transport industry."
Click here for more information on fatigue management and its associated legislation under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
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