NHVR's Revised Master Code: Broader Safety Guidelines for Heavy Vehicle Users

According to Aaron Louws, NTI's supply chain technical manager, the revised code offers clearer and more pertinent guidance for these sectors. He emphasises that businesses involved in sending or receiving freight, outsourcing transport, or imposing specific delivery and loading requirements can now access tailored advice to balance safety, productivity, and compliance effectively.

The Heavy Vehicle National Law mandates various requirements, such as limits on driving hours and axle loads, and imposes a primary duty on all parties to ensure safety as far as reasonably practicable. The updated Master Code serves as a bridge between these legal obligations and the practical decisions businesses make daily.

Kelli Walker, NHVR's acting chief safety and productivity officer, highlights that the revised code shifts from role-based obligations to activity-based guidance. This approach encourages businesses to consider their operations holistically and assess how their activities impact heavy vehicle safety.

Businesses are advised to identify relevant transport activities, review existing controls, and document risk management strategies. While implementing every control in the code isn't mandatory, companies should be prepared to demonstrate that their chosen measures are equally effective in managing risks.

To assist businesses in understanding these updates, NTI will host a webinar on February 18. It's important to note that the code applies in all Australian jurisdictions except Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

For more detailed information, visit the NHVR's official website.