10:32 pm, Thursday 13 September, 2012

The National Transport Commission (NTC) released its National Road Safety Partnership Program draft strategy last week for public consultation. The strategy acknowledges the major role that industry can play in improving road safety in Australia.

NTC Project Director, Dr Jeff Potter said that work-related road accidents in the country account for about 50 percent of all occupational deaths and 15 percent of national road deaths.

“We believe there is significant opportunity to facilitate knowledge sharing about how to improve road safety in the workplace and to provide recognition for those businesses that do the right thing,” said Dr Potter.

According to the draft strategy, driving or operating vehicles as well as commuting to work are the greatest safety risks for workers.

“Our research has found that many Australian businesses already have a positive road safety culture which not only benefits the community but their bottom line as well,” said Dr Potter.

“We’ve found these businesses are eager to share their knowledge and processes, and even act as a mentor for other businesses, so that others can replicate their approaches and improve road safety.”

A steering committee which comprises senior business representatives will assist in the development of the proposed program.

NTC is calling on all businesses to share their thoughts on the proposed program framework.

The draft strategy is open for comment until 18 October.

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01:03 pm, Thursday 1 March, 2012

Australians can now have their say on the proposed options for the consistent national regulation of the management of fatigue risk in the rail industry under the new Rail Safety National Law to commence in 2013.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released a draft regulatory impact statement available for public comment which offers four options for managing work and rest hours for rail workers.

According to NTC Chief Executive, Nick Dimopoulos, there are differences in how states and territories regulate fatigue across Australia but this is about to change.

“Complying with multiple fatigue management regulations can be costly and confusing for the rail industry, particularly interstate operators,” said Mr Dimopoulos.

“We’ve been working closely with the project office, governments, industry, unions and fatigue experts to look at ways to harmonise the requirements across the country, while boosting safety and productivity.

“Introduction of agreed national fatigue requirements will lead to a safer, more efficient and more competitive rail industry.”

The NTC, together with the National Rail Safety Regulator Project Office will hold a series of consultation forums in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney this month to solicit feedback on the draft regulatory impact statement.

Public consultation period will conclude on March 21.

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