Fatigue Management
Fatigue Management Module Overview
The Fatigue Management Module within the Main Roads Western Australia Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (WAHVA) scheme is designed to enhance road safety by managing driver fatigue effectively. It recognises that fatigue is a major contributor to road accidents and aims to ensure that heavy vehicle operators implement strategies to mitigate this risk. The module sets out clear standards and practices that operators must adopt to ensure the health and safety of drivers, the public, and the overall efficiency of transport operations.
Compliance
To comply with the Fatigue Management Module, operators must adhere to several key standards:
Fatigue Management Plan: Operators must develop a comprehensive Fatigue Management Plan (FMP) that identifies potential fatigue-related risks and outlines strategies to manage these risks effectively. The FMP should include methods for monitoring driver fatigue, such as schedules and driving hours.
Driver Work and Rest Hours: Operators must ensure that drivers are aware of and adhere to the maximum work and minimum rest hour regulations. This includes ensuring that drivers take appropriate breaks during shifts and do not exceed the prescribed driving hours.
Training and Education: All drivers must receive training on fatigue management, including understanding the signs of fatigue, the importance of regular rest breaks, and strategies to cope with fatigue while driving. See Common Standards for more information.
Mandatory training for Drivers and Administrators can be found at https://fatigue.safetyline.wa.gov.au/
Documentation
To comply with the WAHVA scheme, several key documents are required:
Fatigue Management Plan: A formal document outlining the strategies in place to manage fatigue, including assessment and monitoring processes.
Driver Trip Sheets: Detailed records of driver work hours, rest breaks, and any deviations from scheduled hours.
Driver Rosters & Schedules: Detailed records of planned driver work hours and rest breaks.
WAHVA Audit
Auditors will focus on the following key areas during the assessment:
Implementation of the Fatigue Management Plan (FMP): Auditors will evaluate how well the FMP is integrated into daily operations and whether it aligns with the regulatory requirements of the WAHVA scheme.
Driver Compliance with Work and Rest Hours: The audit will include a review of driver schedules to ensure adherence to maximum driving times and minimum rest periods, assessing whether drivers are following the prescribed guidelines.
Training Documentation: Records showing that all drivers have completed fatigue management training, including content covered and dates of training sessions. See Common Standards for more information.
The following documents will be reviewed as part of the WAHVA Audit:
Fatigue Management Plan
Driver Work and Rest Hour Records (Daily Trip Sheets)