What are the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Roadworthiness Requirements under the Chain of Responsibility?


Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) parties in the CoR have an obligation to ensure all transport equipment is properly maintained, safe, roadworthy and ‘fit for service’. This includes where any heavy vehicle used to carry goods by road must meet all relevant Heavy Vehicle Standards and Australian design rules and be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times. Those responsible must ensure that proper and routine inspections are carried out and any necessary maintenance and repairs are conducted in a timely manner.


Managing Heavy Vehicle Safety & Roadworthiness

Managing Heavy Vehicle Safety & Roadworthiness in your Business includes:

  • Conducting a risk assessment of your heavy vehicle safety and roadworthiness obligations.
  • Documenting policies and procedures relating to heavy vehicle safety and roadworthiness that outline the control measures.
  • Consulting with other parties on how heavy vehicle safety and roadworthiness, are managed within their business.
  • Conducting regular contract reviews of the effectiveness of controls implemented by others in the supply chain.
  • Ensuring contracts and agreements do not cause or encourage the parties to operate vehicles that are unsafe or defective.
  • Ensuring commercial arrangements include prescriptive requirements to comply with legal obligations.


Vehicle Standards

Under the Vehicle Standards you must ensure vehicles comply with Australian Design Rules and are able to be legally registered.


Maintenance Programs

Maintenance Programs involve conducting regular servicing of vehicles, components and equipment. As a minimum, service schedules should be aligned with the manufacturer’s recommendations. This could include asking the driver when the last service was conducted or when the next service is due. Maintenance and repairs should be carried out by a person with appropriate skills, experience and qualifications.

Daily visual pre-start check to should be conducted to detect problems with critical safety components and formalise this process for management to inspect daily pre-start checks to ensure they are being completed.


Defects

Responsibilities for reporting and management of defects applies to both operators and drivers and other supply chain parties.


Record Keeping

In accordance with HVNL and the NHVAS Maintenance Management Standard, record keeping requires documented evidence that will be maintained to demonstrate the effective operation of the Maintenance Management System, by retaining pertinent records and all records are to be retained for three (3) years.


Zenergy eLearning Program – Chain of Responsibility (CoR): Fatigue, Speed and Roadworthiness

Zenergy has a range of Chain of Responsibility (CoR) eLearning training topics including Chain of Responsibility (CoR): Fatigue, Speed and Roadworthiness. This course is designed for Schedulers, Consignors, Consignees, Packers, Loading Managers, Loaders/ Unloaders and includes the requirements and obligations of Fatigue, Speed and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Roadworthiness under the Chain of Responsibility and the Heavy Vehicle National Law. This course includes Roadworthiness (Module 3) which provides an overview of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Regulations requirements and obligations for managing Heavy Vehicle Safety and Roadworthiness, an overview of the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey, practical solutions and the key elements of managing the risks of Heavy Vehicle Safety and Roadworthiness compliance in your business.


Zenergy – Heavy Vehicle National Law and Chain of Responsibility (CoR)

Zenergy experienced consultants can assist in the development of CoR Transport Safety Management System (TSMS) documentation and conducting independent audits of your Management System documentation for management of transport safety including Chain of Responsibility (CoR) provision to ensure meets their responsibilities under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).


For more information on our services feel free to email us at info@zenergygroup.com.au or call 1300 333 400.

Chain of Responsibility (CoR) Training

Contact Us

Zenergy News

February 11, 2025
A workplace health and safety regulator has explained what the "safest workplaces" look like, in revealing it finalised more than 100 successful safety prosecutions in 2024.
February 11, 2025
Two years after the release of the groundbreaking 2022 Everyday Respect Report, Rio Tinto has undertaken a thorough Progress Review to assess its ongoing cultural transformation. As one of the world’s largest mining companies, Rio Tinto has been working to create a safer, more inclusive workplace culture that fosters respect, productivity, and innovation. The 2024 Progress Review highlights significant strides made, ongoing challenges, and areas requiring further attention. The Journey Towards Cultural Transformation Cultural change is a multi-year effort that requires consistent leadership, structural support, and engagement across all levels of an organization. Since launching its Everyday Respect initiative, Rio Tinto has embedded this agenda into its core business strategy, focusing on reducing bullying, sexual harassment, and racism in the workplace. Key Progress Areas: Increased Awareness and Open Conversations: The public release of the original report acted as a catalyst for change, encouraging more employees to speak up and engage in discussions about respect. Stronger Leadership Commitment: Leaders are playing a more proactive role in championing Everyday Respect, with a focus on psychological safety and inclusive leadership. Enhanced Training and Education: Programs such as Everyday Respect Training and Purple Banners have been widely implemented to build awareness and response capabilities. Facility Upgrades and Safety Improvements: Investments in workplace infrastructure have improved the physical environment, making it more inclusive and conducive to employee well-being. Greater Workforce Diversity: There has been a notable increase in gender and cultural diversity across teams, fostering innovation and improved workplace dynamics. Ongoing Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite progress, resistance to change remains an obstacle, particularly among certain groups. Survey data indicates that while improvements have been perceived in many areas, instances of bullying, sexual harassment, and racism persist. Key focus areas include: Building Stronger Buy-in: Engaging those who are resistant to cultural change, particularly male employees, to foster a collective commitment to Everyday Respect. Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms: Increasing trust in reporting systems to ensure that employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns. Strengthening Frontline Leadership: Providing additional training and tools to equip supervisors and managers with the skills needed to drive culture change at all levels. Maintaining Momentum: Ensuring that Everyday Respect remains a priority in the face of organizational changes and external pressures. Looking Ahead: Staying the Course The findings from the 2024 Progress Review reaffirm Rio Tinto’s commitment to long-term cultural transformation. While meaningful progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to sustain positive momentum and address persistent challenges. As one employee noted: “ Change is definitely happening, and it will get hard at times. We can’t back away ... I’m here at Rio Tinto because I want to see through this change. We need to stay the course. ” With ongoing leadership, engagement, and strategic initiatives, Rio Tinto is on the path to embedding Everyday Respect across all facets of its global operations, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and more productive workplace for all employees. See full report “ here ”.
By Shazamme System User October 8, 2024
Australia's dating apps are getting a safety makeover.
By Shazamme System User October 8, 2024
National Safe Work Month
September 19, 2024
Meet the Outstanding 2024 Winners
Australia's highest WHS fine, for manslaughter, becomes law
September 19, 2024
NSW's industrial manslaughter laws
More Posts
Share by: