Chain of Responsibility –Things to Remember

Chain of Responsibility (CoR) legislation, introduced in 2015, recognises the responsibilities others have in the transportation of goods by road, beyond that of just the driver and operator. This means anyone who has control in the transport chain, including the operator and manager, can be held legally accountable if their actions, inactions or demands cause or contribute to road safety breaches.

The safe loading of vehicles is vitally important in preventing injury to people, and damage to property and roads. There are also economic benefits to all with the load arriving safely at its destination intact and without damage.

Each year, Australians are injured or killed in crashes caused by unrestrained loads. Debris falling from unsecured loads can also cause road closures and disruptions and incur thousands of dollars in vehicle and property damage.

Under the WA transport laws, it is an offence if your load is not properly restrained and is at risk of falling from your vehicle. All parties in the chain are responsible to ensure the vehicle does not exceed mass or dimension limits, and that the load is appropriately restrained.

As part of the chain, you have to take all reasonable steps to ensure you comply with the CoR legislation. Taking reasonable steps could include:

• reviewing business practices;

• reviewing commercial arrangements;

• adopting a risk management approach;

• appropriate training policies;

• ensuring appropriate supervision;

• ensuring responsibilities are known. Under WA transport law the following fines can be applied where unsecured loads are detected: Depending on the severity, fines may be issued to all parties for $100 (minor), $500 (substantial) or $1,000 (severe). Things to always remember:

• Use appropriate equipment for the type of load you are carrying, which includes the correct vehicle and restraint equipment.

• Position the load correctly.

• Use good quality restraint equipment, and ensure it is maintained in good condition.

• Check your load restraint before leaving and during the trip.

• The load restraint should meet performance standards detailed in the Load Restraint Guide 2004. And most importantly, the security of your load is vital to your safety and other road users.

More information can be found on the Main Roads’ website www.mainroads. wa.gov.au or by contacting the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486.

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