Navigating transport industry regulations, particularly the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance in heavy vehicle operations. The NHVR oversees heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass, aiming to foster a safe, efficient, and productive industry nationwide.
The Importance of HVNL and Chain of Responsibility (CoR)
The HVNL, enacted in 2014 across participating states and territories, standardises regulations to minimise compliance burdens and enhance safety and productivity. Central to the HVNL is the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) concept, which assigns responsibility for safety across the transport supply chain. Under CoR, all parties with influence over transport activities are obligated to proactively ensure compliance, shifting from reactive to proactive safety management.
Key Aspects of CoR
CoR requires all involved parties, including employers, operators, schedulers, and consignors, to exercise “due diligence” in preventing safety breaches. This proactive approach aims to eliminate or mitigate risks associated with heavy vehicle operations, emphasising the practicality of safety measures in relation to potential harm and cost-effectiveness.