National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO, Sal Petroccitto, has reiterated the importance of road transport operators adhering strictly to all relevant regulations after charges were laid against a Sydney-based transport company.
“Our prosecutions team, in partnership with Victoria Police, filed charges against an operator, its executive and employees following a tragic incident last year where a heavy vehicle hit and killed four police officers in Victoria,” said Petroccitto.
“These Chain of Responsibility (CoR) charges are significant and serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring safe transport activities, no matter what role you hold in your organisation.”
Petroccitto stressed that everyone in the industry has a responsibility to maintain the highest levels of safety on and off the road, and that the NHVR will continue to ensure that any safety breaches are fully investigated under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
“Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and colleagues of those officers who lost their lives in this tragedy,” said Petroccitto.
Having a Safety Management System (SMS) in place, Petroccitto continued, is one way to mitigate the risk of safety and compliance breaches.
“I encourage owners and individuals to take advantage of our 9 Step SMS Roadmap and see how it can provide advantages for you and your safety,” he said.
On a final note, Petroccitto said it’s important everyone continues to play their part in following the health directives and advice in relation to COVID-19.
“One piece of critical information relates to vaccines and increasing requests by Chief Health Officers to be vaccinated prior to travelling to other states and territories,” said Petroccitto.
“I’m fully vaccinated and it’s encouraging to see and hear of so many NHVR staff members and people across the industry who are also vaccinated.”
Petroccitto closed by encouraging interstate truck drivers to keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 information and, importantly, on updates to vaccine requirements for crossing borders.