Under existing Australian OH&S laws, truck fleet operators have special responsibilities to ensure their drivers are fit to drive.
As a nation we are very reliant on heavy vehicles for transportation of both people and goods across the country. There are approximately 400,000 registered trucks and 160,000 professional drivers in Australia. Any condition that affects a person’s physical, cognitive or visual function may also affect their ability to drive a heavy vehicle.
Heavy vehicle drivers who have a medical condition need to complete a heavy vehicle assessment to determine if they are fit to drive a heavy vehicle. The driver must meet the national medical standards, the driving standards and the standards for associated work tasks. Generally, an assessment in a Class C vehicle is completed first to minimize risk:
- because heavy vehicles do not have dual controls
- because the impact of an accident in heavy vehicles is more significant
When completing a heavy vehicle assessment, the client’s ability to complete associated work tasks needs to be considered. The type of tasks included in the assessment will vary depending on the class of heavy vehicle being driven. All heavy vehicle drivers need to demonstrate knowledge and competency in the following skills:
- transferring in and out of the vehicle
- pre-driving checks (e.g. water, hydraulic brake fluid, etc)
- loading and unloading the vehicle
- securing the load using ropes, straps, curtains or dogs and chains
- changing a tyre
Drivers of heavy combination or multi-combination vehicles also need to demonstrate competency coupling and uncoupling the trailer or truck.
Drivers must demonstrate competency in the following skills in the on-road assessment:
- Observation
- Speed Control
- Vehicle Positioning
- Planning and Judgement
- Vehicle control and reaction time.
To drive forklifts and other workplace equipment clients require the appropriate WorkCover certificate. The impact of the medical condition or injury on the client’s ability to meet the competency standards needs to be assessed by a driver-trained Occupational Therapist and qualified return to work coordinator.
Completing a heavy vehicle assessment facilitates drivers’ safety and speedy return to work following illness or injury.
To make a referral to our services please follow the links to the referral page.
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