Worksafe driver survey finds fatigue an issue

A roadblock exercise surveying drivers of commercial vehicles held last month saw three out of 221 drivers issued with prohibition notices for not taking a mandatory seven-hour rest period, according to Employment Protection Minister Michelle Roberts.

The full text of an announcement from the Minister's office is pasted below

A WorkSafe roadblock exercise held last month has highlighted safety concerns about a lack of rest breaks.

Employment Protection Minister Michelle Roberts said the operation found transport companies generally complied with the laws for commercial vehicles, but some inadequacies were exposed.

"It is pleasing to see many transport companies comply with the major aspects of Western Australia's fatigue regulations, but we need to keep in mind that fatigue is still a significant occupational safety and health issue in the commercial transport industry," Mrs Roberts said.

"WorkSafe inspectors found continuing problems with mandatory rest breaks and notices were issued when breaches were discovered.

"We have seen a steady increase in the understanding of fatigue laws over the past couple of years and it seems that the industry has come to grips with the laws that ensure commercial vehicle drivers are given sufficient rest."

The joint exercise near Merredin in the State's Wheatbelt was conducted by WorkSafe, the WA Police, State Emergency Service, Merredin Roadwise, Shire of Westonia and South Australia Transport Safety Compliance.

A total of 221 commercial vehicles were stopped at the roadblock, with seven improvement notices and three prohibition notices issued to drivers who had not taken the mandatory seven-hour rest break.

In addition, 81 transport companies will be contacted in relation to fatigue issues, medical checks for drivers, training of drivers and keeping accurate records.

"Although we are pleased with improvements in compliance, it is worth reminding the industry that adequate sleep and rest is essential to safe driving," the Minister said.

"Last month's roadblock also proved to be an excellent example of co-operation between agencies and across State boundaries, with valuable assistance provided to WorkSafe's inspectors by other agencies."

A code of practice for the management of fatigue has been in operation in WA since 1998 and was updated in 2003.